Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8-10 oz pasta regular, gluten free, or grain free*
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives sliced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill chopped
Optional:
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or dairy-free alternative
Lemon Garlic Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water, then set aside to cool.
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In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook for 5β7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent the outside burning. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes on a cutting board, then cut into bite size pieces or strips.
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Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, avocado, and herbs.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add feta, if using, and toss lightly again.
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Serve immediately or chill for 30β60 minutes for the best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
*Try these pasta recommendations for your specific dietary needs:
Gluten Free pasta
High protein pasta
Paleo pasta (cassava)
Low carb pasta
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 1009mg
Potassium: 660mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 290IU
Vitamin C: 15mg
Calcium: 90mg
Iron: 2mg
