Best 3 Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes
**Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish**
Escape the summer heat with a refreshing and flavorful balsamic chicken pasta salad! This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, making it a perfect meal for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying lunch or dinner. With variations for vegetarians and gluten-free diets, this versatile salad offers something for everyone. Dive into the recipes to discover how to create this delightful dish and impress your family and friends with its zesty and satisfying flavors.
BALSAMIC CHICKEN AND PASTA
A delicious combination of chicken, pasta and tomatoes that can be served warm or chilled for a great meal on a warm summer day! This recipe may look a bit complicated, but I promise you--it is not. Chicken can be cooked on the stove or on a grill. It is great for large family gatherings and does not really need to be served with anything other than a good loaf of bread for sopping up the juices. I hope your family enjoys this as much as mine has.
Provided by Katherine
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 3h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mince garlic cloves in food processor or blender. Add 1/3 of the basil leaves to the processor, and chop until fine. Pour in 1/2 cup of olive oil, and continue to process until mixture turns light yellow with flecks of basil. Add the balsamic vinegar; process just until combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top storage bag along with 1 tablespoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, and the contents of the food processor. Squeeze air out of bag and seal. Allow chicken to marinate for 2 hours, or up to overnight, turning occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- Brown chicken in a large skillet over large heat, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a large baking dish, and place in the oven until cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove chicken from oven, slice into 1/4 inch strips, and return to baking dish to absorb cooking juices. Keep warm.
- While chicken is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Boil the pasta until cooked through, but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well. Stir the chicken and the juices from the baking dish into the hot pasta.
- Thinly slice the remaining basil leaves, and place in a large serving bowl along with the tomatoes. Stir in 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Top basil and tomatoes with the hot pasta, sauce, and chicken; toss to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 681.6 calories, Carbohydrate 65.4 g, Cholesterol 64.6 mg, Fat 31.9 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 35.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 1266.8 mg, Sugar 7 g
BALSAMIC CHICKEN SALAD
"This is an easy, elegant and tasty alternative to TV dinners," Rebecca Lindamood shares from Le Roy, New York. "My husband fell in love with this main course the first time I served it and regularly requests that I make it again."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet, saute chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from pan. , In the same skillet, bring vinegar to a boil. Add the chicken, tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper and remaining oil; cook and stir until heated through. Divide salad greens among six plates; top with chicken mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 173mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
BALSAMIC CHICKEN PASTA
"Balsamic vinaigrette gives a refreshing zing to this pasta dish," says Bill Hilbrich of Saint Cloud, Minnesota. "It can be served hot or refrigerated and served as a cold salad."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain., In a serving bowl, combine the chicken, tomato, olives and pasta. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 340 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 624mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein.
Tips:
- Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes: This will ensure the best flavor for your salad.
- Use a variety of tomatoes: This will add color and flavor to your salad. Try using cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and flavor in the salad.
- Use a flavorful vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is what will bring all the flavors of the salad together. Make sure to use a good quality olive oil and vinegar, and add some fresh herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- Let the salad marinate: This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop. Marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Conclusion:
This balsamic chicken pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make summer dish. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also great for picnics or potlucks. With its colorful vegetables, juicy chicken, and flavorful vinaigrette, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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
