Zesty Chicken & Mushroom Pasta Salad

Instructions

1. 1
   Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. 2
   Drain the penne pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside in a large bowl.
3. 3
   Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and slice the button mushrooms.
4. 4
   Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces, seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. 5
   Cook for about 5-6 minutes until mostly cooked through, then add the sliced button mushrooms to the pan.
6. 6
   Sauté everything together for another 3 minutes just until the button mushrooms are slightly tender. Remove from the pan and let cool.
7. 7
   While the meat rests, chop the cucumber and tomato into small chunks. Mince the garlic.
8. 8
   In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of the lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
9. 9
   Add the cooled chicken breast, button mushrooms, chopped cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella balls to the bowl with the penne pasta.
10. 10
    Pour the lemon-herb dressing over everything and toss well to combine.
11. 11
    Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge until your mom gets home. The button mushrooms and penne pasta will soak up all the delicious flavors!