Greek-Style Chicken Pasta Salad

Whenever I have leftover chicken breast or cooked turkey I always make this pasta salad it's a favorite in our house. I usually boil up the whole package of pasta shells, but no need to double the dressing recipe, it's enough for the whole package of pasta. Also, I always add in 2 medium chopped firm tomatoes to the salad. You will love this, it's almost like a Greek salad!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 -3  whole  cooked chicken breasts, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) package small shell pasta
• 4 -6  green onions, sliced
• 2  cups black olives, sliced
• 2  stalks celery, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped red bell pepper
• 1⁄3 lb  crumbled feta cheese (or more if desired)
• 4 -6  slices  crumbled  cooked bacon (optional)

• DRESSING

• 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 3⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1  tablespoon Dijon mustard (or to taste)
• 1  teaspoon salt (or to taste)
•  black pepper
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 -3  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano (or to taste)

Directions

1. Cook pasta as directed until al dente, careful not to overcook the pasta, just until chewy and firm, but cooked; drain well.
2. Rinse in cold water.
3. Mix together all pasta ingredients in a bowl.
4. Mix all dressing ingredients; add to pasta mixture; toss well to coat.
5. Let sit in refrigerator for 2 or more hours before serving, to blend the flavours.
6. Sprinkle more Feta cheese on top to garnish.
7. ***NOTE*** since this is a big favorite in my house, I usually just cook up the entire package of pasta, and just increase the vegetable amounts, there is really no need to double the dressing ingredients if you should use the whole package of pasta, as the salad may become oily, but by all means it may certainly be doubled if desired. The bacon is optional, I rarely add it.