Quick and Easy Chicken Pasta Salad

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"This salad has simple seasonings which we think are very tasty. Great use for left-over chicken."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 head broccoli, chopped and steamed until crisp tender
• salt
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1⁄2 lb pasta shells, cooked and drained
• 2 large tomatoes, cubed
• 1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper
• 1 cup Italian dressing (more if needed)

directions

1. Place well drained broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sprinkle with salt to season.
3. Add chicken, pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt and pepper to taste; stir to combine.
4. Pour dressing over the salad; stir gently to mix.
5. Cover and chill 1 hour before serving.
6. I serve the salad on a bed of lettuce.

Reviews

[Jandela]

Very nice refreshing salad! Used two leftover grilled chicken breasts. I'm eating the leftovers now for lunch. Only added some red and yellow bell peppers. Got the "ultimate" compliment ... last night husband said, "hey, this is good!" ... not something that I often receive from pasta salads. :)

 

[Shellbelle]

This is a very simple and delicious recipe! Perfect for a hot summer day. I substituted a few things, Zucchini for the broccoli, Celery for the red onion, Garlic powder for the garlic cloves, and I added Baby Carrots, and Lemon Juice.

 

[carole in orlando]

As usual this was great! I made it this morning and we had the salad for lunch after church. The flavors are very good, and it would be good even without the chicken. Thanks Nurse Di :) Carole in Olando

 

[Debbb]

Yummy!! Because my husband hates broccoli, I had to substitute 1/2 pound baby carrots, sliced lengthwise. I also used my favourite FAT FREE Italian dressing to make this delicious recipe even healthier. I have added this light & refreshing main-course salad to our regular rotation of meals!

 

[ellie_]

Excellent way to use leftover chicken. I used a little more chicken than the recipe called for (about 4 cups), extra brocolli, extra pasta and about 2 cups of Italian dressing. We all loved it and I have great salads for lunch for the rest of the week. Thanks NurseDi for posting another winner. We will be having this salad a lot this spring and summer.