GREEK CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Zesty and quick grilled chicken and zucchini atop flavorful Greek-style pasta salad - perfect with garden tomatoes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

4 Chicken Breast halves, boneless
12 oz dry pasta such as penne pasta
2 medium zucchini (1 large)
2 Cups Chopped red ripe tomatoes
1 small red onion , sliced
1 Cup chopped olives (optional)
1/2 Cup olive oil, divided
1/4 Cup balsamic or red wine vinegar
1/2 Cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
3 TB Greek Seasoning see Greek seasoning recipe below - very easy)

Greek Seasoning Mix (Approximately 3 TB)
1 TB Oregano
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
3/4 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. pepper
1 TB garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Wash Chicken breasts, pat dry. Season heavily with 1 TB Greek Seasoning mix. Peel and slice the zucchini in thin rounds, discarding the end pieces. Brush both sides of the zucchini with olive oil.

Dressing: In a large Bowl - mix 2 TB Greek Seasoning and 2 TB water. Let stand a few minutes. Mix in the olive oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard. Dressing: In a large bowl, mix 2 TB Greek Seasoning and 2 TB water. Let stand a few minutes. Mix in the remaining olive oil, along with the vinegar, mayo, honey, and mustard. Add the tomatoes, onions, and olives, toss to coat.

When the pasta is done (just a touch underdone is better than overdone as the dressing tenderizes the pasta some), drain the pasta, rinse briefly to stop cooking, shake off all the excess water, then add the pasta to the dressing-tomato mixture and toss again. Set aside.

Grill the chicken which takes about 10 minutes; 5 minutes per side.

The zucchini needs about one minute per side to soften and have nice grill marks and can be cooked after the chicken is pulled off because it is good to let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing anyway.

Using a large serving platter, place the pasta mixture on top of the platter. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or slices and fan it out on top of the pasta. Arrange the grilled zucchini around the pasta and chicken to make a very attractive presentation. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and serve right away.

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