Chicken Pasta Salad Fresh (Print Version)

Juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and tangy vinaigrette for a bright, satisfying meal.

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
02 - 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 - ½ cup bell peppers, julienned
07 - ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)
08 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - ¼ cup olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon honey
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
16 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
03 - Chop all vegetables and slice or shred the cooked chicken.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, chopped vegetables, and parsley.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
06 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
07 - Optional: Garnish with cheese, avocado, or toasted nuts if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
02 - For freshest taste, keep dressing separate until ready to serve if making in advance.