Best 2 Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad Recipes

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Chicken asparagus pasta salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or light lunches. With its vibrant colors, medley of flavors, and ease of preparation, this salad is a crowd-pleaser for people of all ages. The combination of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta provides a satisfying textural experience, while the bright vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and herbaceous twist. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, chicken asparagus pasta salad is a delightful and nutritious meal that is sure to impress.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD



Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad image

This recipe is adapted from the "Simply Down Home Cookbook' that I received from Studentchef in the Spring 2009 Cookbook Swap. It uses some of my favorite ingredients and I can not wait until late Spring when fresh, local asparagus is in season! A neighboring town, Hadley, Massachusetts is famous for its asparagus and I eat more than my fill every year!

Provided by Jociecee

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb penne rigate or 1 lb rotini pasta
6 -8 ounces of fully cooked boneless chicken, seasoned to your own taste (Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic work well in this recipe and I use leftover roast chicken)
1 lb fresh asparagus
16 ounces fresh grape tomatoes
2/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup pitted coarsely chopped olive (kalamata or the olives of your choice)
1 cup crumbled feta or 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in a stockpot.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  • Drain pasta and keep warm.
  • Wash asparagus and remove and discard tough ends.
  • Slice asparagus into one inch pieces.
  • Cook asparagus in a large skillet in shallow water and steam for 1-2 minutes until crisp tender.
  • Drain well and reserve.
  • Chop chicken into one inch pieces.
  • Cut grape tomatoes in half.
  • Combine Italian dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add cooked pasta and asparagus to the Italian dressing and mix together until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add chicken, tomatoes, basil, olives, and cheese and stir to combine.
  • Serve pasta salad warm or at room temperature.

CHILLED CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD



CHILLED CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Chicken     Pasta     Low Fat     Grill/Barbecue

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 box whole wheat fetuchini 1.5 lb fresh asparagus
2 zuchini, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 small/medium red bell peppers (chopped)
6 green onions (thin slices)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
small can of chopped black olives
4 cups grilled chicken breasts
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Basil Sauce to taste
Basil Sauce
1/4 c. fresh basil (chopped)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
2 eggs (may use egg substitute)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
1 TBS. Red wine vinegar
½ c. fat free sour cream
1/2 c. olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook the fetuchini and drain. Blanch the asparagus. Combine all the ingredients for the salad except the Basil Sauce. For the Basil Sauce: In a blender of food processor combine the basil and garlic and blend for a couple of minutes. Add the eggs and the next four ingredients. Blend. Add the sour cream and oil and blend until you get a smooth texture. Pour the Basil Sauce over the salad until you have the desired moistness. Toss and chill until ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor and texture. If you can't find fresh asparagus, frozen or canned asparagus will also work.
  • Cook the asparagus until it is tender but still has a little bit of a bite to it. Overcooked asparagus will be mushy.
  • Use a good quality pasta for the salad. A sturdy pasta, such as penne or rotini, will hold up well in the salad and won't get too soggy.
  • Add your favorite vegetables to the salad. Some good options include bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini.
  • Use a light and tangy dressing for the salad. A vinaigrette dressing or a lemon-herb dressing are both good options.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Chicken asparagus pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and asparagus. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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