Italian Chicken Pasta Salad recipe

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad recipe:

Ingredients:
For the Salad:

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
2 cups cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, cook the chicken breast by boiling, grilling, or baking until fully cooked. Allow to cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta and chicken are cooling, prepare the vegetables by chopping the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion. Chop the fresh basil leaves as well.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated with the dressing.

Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!