Chicken Pasta Salad

When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing Chicken Pasta Salad to brighten up your day. Imagine hosting a backyard barbecue, and you want to serve a dish that pairs perfectly with sunshine and laughter. That’s where this vibrant salad comes in. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and, best of all, can be whipped up in no time at all. I remember the first time I made this; the kids were playing outside while the adults gathered around the table, and the moment I set the salad down, it disappeared in seconds! With its delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and juicy mandarin oranges, this Chicken Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Shopping List for Chicken Pasta Salad

The ingredients for this Chicken Pasta Salad are simple yet delicious. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that fresh, vibrant flavor, making every bite a delight. The key players here are the farfalle pasta, which provides the perfect pasta base, and the cooked chicken, adding protein to keep you satisfied. The freshness from the spinach and the sweetness from mandarin oranges make this dish a true winner.

• 8 ounces farfalle pasta (white or whole wheat) (225 grams) – The foundation of your salad that holds everything together.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (300 grams) – This adds protein and heartiness to the salad.
• 2 ounces baby spinach leaves (100 grams) – Fresh, vibrant greens that add color and nutrients.
• 1 11 ounce can mandarin oranges, drained – Sweet bursts of flavor that brighten the dish.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (60 grams) – A chewy, sweet contrast that complements the chicken.
• 2 green onions, chopped – Fresh and savory, they add a delightful crunch.
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (30 grams) – Rich and nutty, it enhances the salad’s flavor profile.
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted (30 grams) – Crunchy and satisfying, they add texture and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – A healthy fat that brings all the flavors together.
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise – Creaminess that balances the salad.
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard – A tangy kick that elevates the dressing.
• 3 tablespoons honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Zest from 1 orange and 1 lemon – Fresh citrus notes that brighten the salad.
• Juice from 1/2 of an orange and 1/2 of a lemon – Adds acidity and freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A subtle spice that rounds out the dish.

Directions for Chicken Pasta Salad

Making Chicken Pasta Salad is a straightforward process that combines a few simple steps. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty!

1. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, honey, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing is the key to enhancing all the flavors in your salad.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential to keeping your pasta firm and not mushy.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing and toss to combine. This will coat the pasta and set the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
4. Mix in the Chicken: Next, add the chopped cooked chicken to the bowl. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, making this salad filling. Toss gently to combine with the pasta.
5. Add the Vegetables: Toss in the baby spinach leaves, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. These ingredients bring freshness, sweetness, and a burst of color to your salad.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Nuts: Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and slivered almonds to the mix. Gently fold everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are distributed evenly. The cheese adds a savory depth, while the almonds give a delightful crunch.
7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle additional dressing over the salad according to your taste. You may not want to use it all, so drizzle a little at a time and taste as you go. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
8. Serve Immediately: Your Chicken Pasta Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy it right away while the ingredients are fresh and vibrant. You can also chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Helpful Hints

These tips will help you master the art of making the best Chicken Pasta Salad. Use them to enhance your experience and create a dish that everyone will love!

• Storage: How to store leftovers: Keep your salad in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Add a little extra dressing before serving for freshness.
• Freezing: Can you freeze this? It’s not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change when thawed.
• Pairing: What to serve with this: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, crusty bread, or even a light soup for a complete meal.
• Presentation: For a stunning look, serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients.
• Make Ahead: Prepare your salad a day in advance for the best flavor. Just hold off on adding the nuts until right before serving to keep them crunchy.
• Health Benefits: This salad is packed with nutrients from the spinach, chicken, and fruits, making it a healthy option for any meal.

Great Combinations for Chicken Pasta Salad

When it comes to serving Chicken Pasta Salad, there are endless possibilities to explore:

• As a Main Dish: This salad makes for a light yet filling main dish, perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal, complementing the protein.
• Occasions: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a twist. In the fall, consider incorporating roasted butternut squash.
• Storage Tips: After preparing, store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three days.
• Light and Refreshing: This salad is not only healthy but also refreshing, making it perfect for warm days.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Chicken Pasta Salad is such a delightful dish that brings together flavors and textures in a way that simply works. It’s not just a salad; it’s a burst of summer on your plate that everyone will enjoy. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new favorite go-to recipe for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Chicken Pasta Salad

The ultimate summer dish, this Chicken Pasta Salad is bursting with flavors and colors. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch, it’s a refreshing and satisfying choice that everyone will enjoy. Make it tonight for a delightful addition to your table!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces Farfalle Pasta
• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
• 2 ounces Baby Spinach Leaves
• 1 can Mandarin Oranges
• 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
• 2 Green Onions
• 1/3 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 cup Slivered Almonds
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 1 Orange Zest
• 1 Lemon Zest
• 1/2 Orange Juice
• 1/2 Lemon Juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Equipment

• Whisk
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Make the dressing by combining the ingredients and whisking until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Assemble the salad by adding the pasta to a large bowl, followed by ¼ cup dressing and toss to combine.
4. Add the chicken, spinach, mandarin oranges, cranberries, green onion, parmesan cheese, and toasted almonds to the bowl and toss.
5. Drizzle additional dressing over the top and toss everything to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Meal Prep Instructions: Divide the dressing between four quart-size mason jars. Add pasta, chicken, other toppings, and add spinach last. Secure the lid and refrigerate for 3-5 days.
• To Eat: Pour mason jar salad out into a bowl, and enjoy.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.