MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD (LOW GI, LOWFAT)

Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta Salad (Low GI, Lowfat) image

Provided by Treewoman

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomato (not packed in oil)
1/4 cup water
4 ounces rigatoni pasta or 3 cups rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 cups diced chicken breasts (roasted or grilled) or 8 ounces diced chicken breasts (roasted or grilled)
1 cup chopped canned artichoke heart (drained)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced scallion
5/8 cup low-fat Italian salad dressing (nonfat or lowfat) or 5/8 cup reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette (nonfat or lowfat)
8 cups torn romaine lettuce
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

Combine the dried tomatoes and water in a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water and drain again.
Put the cooked pasta in a medium sized bowl. Add the tomatoes, chicken, artichoke hearts, olive and scallions; toss to mix well. Pour 1/4 cup of the dressing over pasta mixture, and toss to mix well. Cover the pasta mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When ready to serve, place the romaine in a large bowl and add the pasta mixture, the remaining dressing, and, if desired, the walnuts. Toss to mix well. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223.1, Fat 6.9, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 31.7, Sodium 670.9, Carbohydrate 33.3, Fiber 7.4, Sugar 5.2, Protein 9.7