California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe
California Chicken Cafe's pasta salad recipe features cooked pasta mixed with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Large pot,
- Colander
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Perfect Pasta:
- ● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente.
- ● This means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- ● This prevents the salad from becoming mushy in the final dish.
Whip Up the Creamy Dressing:
- ● Now, grab your whisk and a separate bowl. It’s time to create the magic of the dressing!
- ● Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- ● Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy.
- ● Trust me, this dressing is the heart and soul of the salad, so take your time and get the flavors just right.
Assemble Your California Dream Bowl:
- ● Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, feta cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- ● Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything gets evenly coated.
Notes
For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.