Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish

This simple Mediterranean rooster pasta salad recipe is filled with contemporary taste from cherry tomatoes, roasted pink peppers, olives, capers, arugula, and basil. Tossed in a tangy dijon French dressing and completed with Parmesan, it’s excellent for make-ahead lunches or summer time dinners.

In the summer time, the very last thing I wish to do after I cease work for lunch is something that may make the thermometer climb on the hottest time of day. I survive on simple, make-ahead lunches like this rooster pasta salad that assist me by means of the work week. It’s simple to seize from the fridge, toss in some arugula and basil, and sit down for a chill break from work with out breaking a sweat.

But cool and handy shouldn’t imply boring. This pasta salad is loaded with taste and texture. The Italian herb-seasoned rooster breast is pan-seared for a golden crust.

Sweet cherry tomatoes, smoky roasted pink peppers, briny olives and capers, peppery arugula, and contemporary basil add layers of irresistible complexity. The tangy Dijon French dressing regularly drives me to dig in for the subsequent chew.

And whereas this rooster pasta salad originated from a want for a simple make-ahead lunch, it’s greater than attractive sufficient to convey alongside for a picnic with pals, a seaside day, or as a facet for a cookout.

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Salad

This rooster pasta salad combines a mix of pantry staples and easy-to-find contemporary elements for a fast and flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll want:

For the Salad:

• Chicken: I wish to pan-sear boneless, skinless rooster breast for this pasta salad as a result of it develops a flavorful golden crust and is fast to arrange. But if you wish to keep away from heating up the kitchen, you might grill them as an alternative, or substitute poached rooster breasts if you need an much more hands-off model.
• Italian seasoning: I maintain a jar of this home made Italian seasoning in my spice cabinet. It’s a basic herb mix with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and parsley.
• Pasta: I choose rigatoni on this pasta salad, because it’s related in dimension to the opposite elements, and the ridges maintain the French dressing properly. You might additionally use penne, ziti, cavatappi, farfalle or another bite-sized pasta form.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Bite-size tomatoes maintain up properly in pasta salad and have a juicy, candy taste. You can use multicolored tomatoes for a mixture of colours and flavors.
• Roasted pink peppers: I choose utilizing a jar of roasted piquillo peppers for his or her smoky, fruity taste. But you should utilize any sliced roasted pink peppers, both store-bought or home made.
• Olives: Kalamata olives have a daring, fruity taste, however you should utilize milder, buttery Castelvetrano olives in the event you choose a milder style.
• Capers add a punch of briny, savory taste to the salad.
• Arugula has a crisp, peppery taste that pairs properly with the Dijon French dressing. You might additionally attempt child spinach, child kale, or a mixture of greens.
• Basil: A handful of chopped basil provides a candy, natural taste to the salad, however different tender herbs, corresponding to oregano, dill, or tarragon, can even work properly.
• Parmesan cheese provides umami taste to the salad. For the most effective taste, use Parmigiano Reggiano.

For the Vinaigrette:

• Extra virgin olive oil: Since that is the bottom of the dressing, use high-quality further virgin olive oil. I like a flavorful oil with a peppery end for this salad, like this Spanish Hojiblanca or Italian Nocellara.
• Red wine vinegar: The fruity and complicated taste of pink wine vinegar creates a pungent French dressing that enhances the extreme flavors on this pasta salad.
• DIJON MUSTARD: Not solely does Dijon mustard add a peppery, tangy kick, but it surely additionally helps to emulsify the French dressing.
• Garlic: Minced garlic provides a savory depth of taste and somewhat chew.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Black pepper provides some light warmth, and salt enhances the opposite flavors within the dressing and salad.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

For the juiciest rooster, it ought to relaxation for 10 minutes earlier than slicing. Use this time to cook dinner the pasta and make the French dressing. If you’re making the salad forward of time, skip the basil and arugula, including them while you’re able to eat in order that they don’t wilt. Here are the steps:

• Cook the rooster: Heat 1 tablespoon further virgin olive oil in a big skillet over medium warmth. Season 1 pound (454g) boneless skinless rooster breasts with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the rooster till golden and cooked by means of, about 8 minutes per facet. Let the rooster relaxation for 10 minutes earlier than dicing it into bite-sized items.
• Cook the pasta: Bring a big pot of water to a boil over excessive warmth. Generously salt the boiling water, then add 12oz (340g) rigatoni and cook dinner till al dente, following the bundle directions. Drain in a colander. Add the pasta to a big mixing bowl and put aside to chill briefly.
• Make the French dressing: In a small bowl, whisk collectively 1/4 cup further virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons pink wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly floor black pepper till properly mixed.
• Toss and serve: To the bowl with the pasta, add 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup sliced roasted pink peppers, 1/3 cup pitted and halved kalamata olives, 2 drained tablespoons capers, 1 cup arugula, and 1/2 cup chopped or torn contemporary basil, and toss to mix. Pour the French dressing over the salad and sprinkle with the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss till coated, and serve instantly.

What to Serve with Chicken Pasta Salad

I wish to make this pasta salad in the beginning of the week for simple lunches all through the work week, particularly in the summertime when the very last thing I would like is to warmth up the kitchen on the peak of the day.

This pasta salad can stand by itself as a meal. But I at all times have room for a chilly dessert afterward, corresponding to these home made popsicles, some strawberry sorbet, or a refreshing lemon and berry yogurt parfait.

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