Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Overview:
Are you craving something light and refreshing amidst the heavy cream and sour cream dishes this holiday season? Look no further! This Chicken Pasta Salad recipe is your ticket to a flavorful, yet light meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s a delightful departure from the ordinary. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 4 cups cooked pasta (of your choice)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup pitted black olives
Dressing:
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cider vinegar, soy sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Shake vigorously until well mixed.
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion, green pepper, and mushrooms until they are tender and fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and keep them warm. |
| 2 | In the same skillet, cook the diced chicken breasts in the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil until they are golden brown and the juices run clear. Drain any excess oil. |
| 3 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, pitted black olives, cooked vegetables, and diced chicken. |
| 4 | Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. |
| 5 | Serve the Chicken Pasta Salad immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite! |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 506.4
- Fat: 12.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Cholesterol: 49.4mg
- Sodium: 941.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 67.8g
- Fiber: 8.3g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 32.5g
Recipe Notes:
This Chicken Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. It’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for those watching their dietary intake. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch, or toss in some feta cheese for a tangy kick. Additionally, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing for quick and easy meal prep throughout the week. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish for lunch or as a side dish for dinner, this Chicken Pasta Salad is sure to impress!
