Best 3 Pesto Tortellini Chicken Salad Recipes
Pesto tortellini chicken salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the vibrant flavors of pesto, the tender texture of tortellini, and the savory goodness of chicken. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a tasty addition to a potluck or picnic, pesto tortellini chicken salad is a versatile and delicious option that is sure to please your taste buds.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
LAYERED TORTELLINI PESTO CHICKEN SALAD
Loads of flavor in seven lovely layers!
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Lunch
Time 2h40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook tortellini as directed on package, adding peas during last 4 minutes of cook time. Drain; rinse immediately with cold water. Pat with paper towels to remove moisture.
- In 3- or 4-quart clear bowl, layer the lettuce, the carrots, chicken, peas, the tortellini, and bell pepper.
- In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pesto and buttermilk. Spread over peppers; sprinkle with parsley. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled or overnight. Stir just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 440 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g
PESTO TORTELLINI CHICKEN SALAD
If you love pesto, you'll love it even more mixed with fresh veggies and chicken in this good-for-you summer salad. -Edie DeSpain. Logan, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook tortellini according to package directions, adding peas during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse in cold water., In a large glass bowl, layer romaine, carrots, chicken, tortellini and peas, and red pepper. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, pesto and buttermilk. Spread over top. Sprinkle with parsley. Refrigerate until chilled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 525mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
TORTELLINI, CHICKEN AND PESTO SALAD
Steps:
- Preparation: 1) You may want to skip this step. I have found that I like to dry my cherry tomatoes a bit by placing them in a low heat oven-250 or so-for around an hour or more until the moisture is reduced. If the tomatoes are good this will concentrate their flavor and reduce the moisture. After the tomatoes are done you can toast the walnuts at 350. They should be done in ten minutes or so. Watch them closely. They should have a nice light crunch. 2) The next step is to blanch the green beans. I multi-task and use the same pot that I will boil the pasta. You will want them to still retain some crunch. I usually find this is about 4 minutes. Run them under cold water and set them aside so that they can dry off. I often toss them in a freezer while I am cooking the pasta. 3) Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but pull back a bit at the end. The pasta has to cool down and it will soften more as the salad mellows. 4) While the pasta is cooking prepare the chicken into small bite size chunks. 5) Mix the vegetables, chicken and pasta together. Mix the pesto and the mayonaise and lightly stir in the pasta mixture. Add the nuts. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more pesto and mayonnaise as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Best served within 24 hours.
Tips:
- Make a flavorful pesto: Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or mint for a vibrant and aromatic pesto. Add a nutty flavor with pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds.
- Choose high-quality tortellini: Look for tortellini made with fresh ingredients and a chewy texture. Filling options like cheese, meat, or vegetables add variety to your salad.
- Cook the chicken to perfection: Cook the chicken until it's tender and juicy, but not dry. Season it well with salt, pepper, and herbs for extra flavor.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Incorporate colorful and nutritious vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Make a tangy dressing: Whisk together a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey for a delicious and balanced flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Top the salad with chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion:
Pesto tortellini chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the flavors of fresh pesto, tender tortellini, juicy chicken, and an array of vegetables. It's perfect for a light and refreshing lunch, a flavorful dinner, or a picnic. With its vibrant colors and textures, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Experiment with different types of pesto and fillings to create your own unique variations. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love