Summer Pasta Salad

Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. I offered to make him anything in the world for dinner. He chose this salad. It’s quick and easy, so I was okay with that. I often make it without the chicken and cheese as a side salad, but otherwise it is great as a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked pene pasta (really any pasta will do)
• 2 roma tomatoes, cubed
• 1 cucumber, peeled and cubed
• 1 large chicken breast, cooked and cubed (I sprinkle italian seasoning on mine and grill it. But if you had left-over chicken that would work fine too. Just use 1 to 1 1/2 C cooked chicken)
• 1 C mozzarella cheese
• 2 T fresh, chopped parsley
• 1/2 bottle Italian salad dressing (Really any vinaigrette will work here. For his birthday, my husband chose Caesar Italian. My favorite is Sun-Dried Tomato).
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Cook Pasta according to directions on box. Drain and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine cooled chicken, tomato, cucumber, pasta and cheese.
• Top with dressing, parsley, salt and pepper

It’s that simple! This is a great summer dinner or for a picnic. It can be served at any temperature.