Dinner for 8
Cold Chicken Pasta Salad
Cooked chicken, rotini, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and parmesan are chilled with a tangy balsamic dressing.
$8.27for 4 servings
$2.07 per serving$8.27 for 4
Typical price: Salefork's estimate of an everyday US shelf price for each ingredient. Pick your city to price it from this week's ad.
Photo: carlsbadcravings.com
- 45 minstart to table
- Mediumdifficulty
- 8servings as written
- $$typical cost tier
ItalianBudgetFamilyDinnersLunchesBack to schoolSummer
What it costs
Pick your city to see which ingredients are on sale
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless$3.49/lb typical | 1 lb | $3.49Typical price |
| Pasta$0.10/oz typical | 16 oz | $1.60Typical price |
| Red onions$1.49/lb typical | 0.5 lb | $0.74Typical price |
| Garlic$0.75 each typical | 1 | $0.76Typical price |
| Fresh tomatoes$1.99/lb typical | 2.5 lb | $4.97Typical price |
| Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil)$1.49 each typical | a little | $0.19Typical price |
| Mozzarella$0.30/oz typical | 8 oz | $2.40Typical price |
| Parmesan$0.55/oz typical | 1.75 oz | $0.96Typical price |
| Total for the servings shown | $16.54 | |
Pantry staples you likely have
Olive and cooking oilCooking spray, shortening, ghee, coconut and sesame oilVinegarHoney or maple syrupMustard, mayo, ketchupDried herbs, spices and seasoning blendsDried spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano)
Not included in the cost.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 lb rotini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red onion
- 6 cloves garlic
- 8 roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup packed basil
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crushed garlic herb croutons
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp each dried basil
- 1/2 tsp each garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Steps
- Boil the rotini in salted water until tender, about 9 minutes, then drain and cool it.
- Cook the chicken breasts in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until they reach 165 F.
- Chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and basil, then cut the cooled chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Toss the pasta, chicken, vegetables, mozzarella, parmesan, and dressing in a large bowl.
- Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes, then sprinkle the croutons over it.
Swaps
- Chicken breast, boneless for Chicken thighs, bone-in or bonelessabout $1.20/lb less at typical prices
- Red onions for Onionsabout $0.20/lb less at typical prices
- Mozzarella for Cheddar and shredded cheeseabout the same price
- Pasta for Egg noodlesabout $0.04/oz more at typical prices
Main ingredient on sale this week? See what to make with chicken breast, boneless on sale.
Find this week's cheapest dinners
Pick your store and we build five dinners from this week's ad, with cost per serving and a shopping list by aisle.
Find this week's cheapest dinners
