Best 2 Chicken Tortellini Spinach Salad Recipes

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Chicken tortellini spinach salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, plump tortellini, crisp spinach, and a flavorful dressing. It is a perfect meal for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared in just 30 minutes or less. With its vibrant colors and textures, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats makes it a well-rounded meal that will keep you satisfied. Let's dive into the best recipe to create this delicious and satisfying dish!

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CHICKEN & TORTELLINI SPINACH SALAD



Chicken & Tortellini Spinach Salad image

Not only is this attractive salad easy to make, but it is, delicious, light and filling as well.-Michelle Ashton, St. Johns, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
1 package (22 ounces) frozen grilled chicken breast strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 slices red onion, halved
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the spinach, chicken, onion, cranberries and feta cheese. Drain pasta. Cool for 5 minutes. Add to spinach mixture., For vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour over spinach mixture; gently toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 432 calories, Fat 17g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 74mg cholesterol, Sodium 820mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SPINACH SALAD WITH CHICKEN, PISTACHIOS, TORTELLINI



SPINACH SALAD WITH CHICKEN, PISTACHIOS, TORTELLINI image

Categories     Poultry     Vegetable

Yield 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 27

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Pistachios, Tortellini and Garlic Vinaigrette Dressing
Garlic Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon grainy mustard
Salad Mixture:
1 1-pound bag fresh spinach
1 cup coarsely chopped toasted pistachios
1/2 cup pitted sliced kalamata olives
2 red pears or apples, cored, seeded, cubed (do not peel)
juice and zest of 1 lemon
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
salt
white pepper
1 package tortellini, any variety
Chicken:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in cubes
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons bacon fat
salt
black pepper

Steps:

  • Dressing: Mix the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, marjoram, cumin, and grainy mustard in a cruet or covered bowl. Reserve. Salad Mixture: Trim the spinach leaves of the stems and rinse them of sand. Drain as much of the water off as possible. Cut or tear the spinach leaves into bite size pieces and put them in a large salad bowl. Toast the pistachios lightly in a small skillet, allow to cool slightly, and add them to the spinach. Slice the olives and make sure there are no pits. Add the olives to the salad mixture. Core and seed the pears or apples. Cut them into cubes. Sprinkle them with the juice and zest of 1 lemon and add them to the salad mixture. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the salad mixture. Cook the bacon until crisp in a large skillet, drain, and crumble. Add the crumbled bacon to the salad. Add salt and pepper if desired. Mix well. Tortellini: Boil some water in a pot and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Reserve until ready to serve. Drain and add to salad with the cooked chicken (below). Chicken: Drain most of the bacon fat from the large skillet, leaving just a few tablespoons to saute the chicken. Cut the chicken breast in strips. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté the onion and the garlic in the bacon fat until the onion is translucent. Add the chicken and sauté until the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Place the cooked chicken in a bowl and pour some of the dressing over it. Mix thoroughly. Just before serving, add some of the dressing over the salad and arrange the chicken strips over it. Serve. Assembly: Then cook the chicken and arrange it on top of the salad. Serve with crusty sourdough, Italian, or French bread.

Tips:

  • For a flavorful salad, use a variety of greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce.
  • To add sweetness and crunch, include fruits and vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, and strawberries.
  • For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or tortellini to the salad.
  • For a creamy texture, add a dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
  • For a nutty flavor, top the salad with toasted walnuts or pecans.
  • For a cheesy flavor, add grated Parmesan or feta cheese.
  • For a zesty flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
  • If you're making the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Conclusion:

Chicken tortellini spinach salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it can be customized to your liking. If you're looking for a healthy and satisfying salad recipe, this is the one for you.

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