If you're craving a hearty and flavorful pasta salad, consider trying a serving of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad, which contains 356 calories per serving (7 oz). This dish is a delicious combination of rotisserie chicken, whole wheat pasta, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing. Not only is it satisfying and filling, but it also offers a range of nutritional benefits.

One serving of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad packs in around 24 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 19 grams of fat. It's also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making this dish healthier, as well as variations and serving suggestions to try at home.

Calories in Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

As mentioned earlier, one serving of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad contains around 356 calories. While this may seem like a lot, keep in mind that it also provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients that can keep you feeling satisfied and energized. If you're trying to manage your calorie intake, consider scaling back your portion size or using less dressing. Additionally, you can opt for a whole grain or vegetable-based pasta to add more fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Nutritional Value of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

As mentioned earlier, Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad offers a range of nutritional benefits. In addition to providing ample amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, it also contains important vitamins and minerals that can support overall health. For example, vitamin A is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin C helps support a healthy immune system and promotes collagen production. Similarly, calcium and iron are crucial minerals that support bone health and blood health, respectively.

Serving Size of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

The standard serving size for Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad is around 7 oz, or one medium-sized bowl. However, you can adjust the serving size to fit your appetite or nutritional needs. For example, if you're looking to boost your protein intake, you may want to increase your portion size, or if you're trying to limit your calorie intake, you might opt for a smaller serving or mix in more vegetables to bulk up your bowl.

Ingredients in Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

The ingredients in Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad are fairly simple and easy to find. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
• 8 oz whole wheat pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Greek dressing

Preparation of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

To prepare Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad, follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Pour the Greek dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the salad cold, garnished with fresh herbs or more feta cheese, if desired.

Health Benefits of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad offers a range of health benefits thanks to the combination of its ingredients. Here are a few reasons why this dish is good for you:

• Protein: The rotisserie chicken and whole wheat pasta provide a good dose of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting immune function.
• Fiber: Whole wheat pasta, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes all provide fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Vitamins and minerals: As mentioned earlier, Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad is a good source of vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron, all of which play important roles in overall health and wellbeing.
• Healthy fats: The olives and feta cheese provide a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Tips for Making Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad Healthier

While Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad is already a fairly healthy dish, there are a few ways you can tweak it to make it even better for you. Here are some tips:

• Try using less dressing or making your own Greek dressing at home with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
• Add more vegetables to your salad, such as diced bell peppers, red onions, or chopped kale, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
• Use a whole grain or vegetable-based pasta to up the nutrition and reduce the calorie load.

Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

If you're looking to switch up your Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad game, here are a few variations to try:

• Swap out the feta cheese for crumbled goat cheese or diced mozzarella.
• Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or basil, to add more flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute the kalamata olives for sliced black olives or green olives.
• Use quinoa or chickpea pasta instead of whole wheat pasta for a gluten-free option.

Where to Find or Buy Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

While this dish is fairly easy to make at home, you can also find it at many restaurants and grocery stores. Look for pre-made salads in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, or check out the deli counter for freshly-made options. Alternatively, you can order it from your favorite Mediterranean or Greek restaurant.

Serving Suggestions for Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad can be served as a satisfying main dish or a tasty side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Pack it for lunch: Divide the salad into individual portions and store them in plastic containers for an easy and nutritious lunch option.
• Pair it with a soup or sandwich: Serve a small portion of the salad alongside a cup of vegetable soup or a half sandwich for a well-rounded meal.
• Make it a party platter: Serve a large bowl of Rotisserie Chicken Greek Pasta Salad on a platter with pita bread, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves for a festive and flavorful appetizer or snack.