Party Chicken and Pasta Salad
Description:
This delightful recipe, inspired by a feature in a Pillsbury magazine, is a quintessential dish for any potluck gathering. Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, it’s not just visually stunning but also a palate-pleaser. For those mindful of their health, simple swaps like opting for low-calorie or fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-sodium soy sauce can effortlessly lighten up this dish. The addition of red grapes not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the presentation to a whole new level.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 402.9
- Fat: 14.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 40.1mg
- Sodium: 354mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.1g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 12.6g
- Protein: 20.3g
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Rotini pasta | 16 oz |
| Celery | 4 stalks |
| Green onion | 1 |
| Snow peas | 1/2 cup |
| Red seedless grapes | 12 oz |
| Green grapes | 2 cups |
| Pineapple tidbits | 1 can |
| Lettuce | 1 head |
| Mayonnaise | 6-8 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
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Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Ensure that the pasta is well-drained.
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Prepare Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta with all the other salad ingredients except for the almonds and lettuce. This includes finely chopped celery, sliced green onion, halved snow peas, red seedless grapes, green grapes, and pineapple tidbits. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
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Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, and honey until well-combined. For an extra burst of flavor, include 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice from the can of pineapple tidbits. Mix the dressing thoroughly until it reaches a smooth consistency.
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Combine Salad and Dressing: Add the cooked pasta and half of the almonds to the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Assemble Salad: Line a serving bowl with fresh lettuce leaves, creating a vibrant bed for the salad. Spoon the prepared pasta salad over the lettuce bed, ensuring an even distribution.
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Final Touch: To finish off the dish, sprinkle the remaining almonds over the top of the salad, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
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Serve: Your Party Chicken and Pasta Salad is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Whether it’s a potluck gathering, a picnic in the park, or a family dinner, this colorful and flavorful salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.
This recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the sweetness of grapes and pineapple balancing perfectly with the savory elements of the chicken and pasta. Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences, and don’t forget to share this crowd-pleasing recipe with friends and family! 🥗🍇🍍
