Tantalize your taste buds with a refreshing and flavorful Chilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings or light summer meals. This vibrant salad combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, colorful bell peppers, and a tangy dressing, all tossed with cooked pasta. Discover how to prepare this delightful salad with our easy-to-follow recipe, offering step-by-step instructions and cooking tips.
In addition to the main recipe, we also present variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For those following a vegetarian diet, we offer a meatless version that substitutes tofu for chicken, providing a protein-packed alternative. If you prefer a creamy twist, try our creamy dressing variation, which adds a luscious richness to the salad. And for a gluten-free option, we provide a guide on how to make this dish using gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful culinary creation.
CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD
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
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.
LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA
Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta - with sauteed chicken and tender asparagus, tossed in a delicious creamy lemon garlic sauce.
Provided by Kelly Kwok
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large pot bring water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, black pepper and oregano. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Transfer to plate and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium high heat. Add remaining minced garlic and asparagus and saute for 1 minute, until just starting to turn bright green. Whisk in the cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, parmesan and mozarella cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and cheese to melt. Add the drained pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste (I used about 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper). Toss to coat well until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon slices, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 27 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 71 mg, Sodium 218 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING
Skip the store-bought pasta salads in favor of a quick and easy recipe for Asparagus Pasta Salad tossed in homemade Italian dressing!
Provided by Kelly Senyei
Time 27m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined. Set the dressing aside.
- Remove the tough stems of the asparagus then cut each spear into 1-inch pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 10 to 11 minutes, then add the asparagus to the pot and cook it with pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse it with cold water.
- Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, tossing to combine, then cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan cheese and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 214 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 10 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD
I got this recipe from my sister-in-law while visiting her in Texas. I usually prepare this salad in the summer as a light evening meal for my family or as an extra-special lunch for friends.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place asparagus in a large saucepan with enough water to cover; cook until crisp-tender. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine asparagus with the remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 307 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 720mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH ITALIAN DRESSING
This pasta salad is endlessly adaptable 365 days a year. Take your favorite pasta shape, add any vegetables in season then toss it all in a homemade Italian dressing. Yes, it's that simple!
Provided by Kelly Senyei
Categories main-dish
Time 3h25m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- For the dressing: Whisk together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until combined. Set aside.
- For the pasta salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, just until al dente. Add the asparagus and cook it with the pasta for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and asparagus then rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
- Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl. Stir in the onions and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta, toss to combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to overnight. When ready to serve, stir in the Parmesan and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
CHICKEN ASPARAGUS PASTA
We enjoy this dish often in the spring when asparagus is fresh on the market. It's a favorite with family and friends and a welcome surprise to those who think they don't like asparagus. -Taralynn Plastina, McHenry, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place asparagus in an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish; drizzle with 2 teaspoons oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. , Meanwhile, cook fettuccine according to package directions. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken and garlic in remaining oil until chicken is no longer pink., Stir in the lemon juice, zest and butter; heat through. Remove from the heat. Drain fettuccine; toss with chicken mixture and asparagus. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 497 calories, Fat 21g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 823mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 35g protein.
ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat shallot and oil in microwave safe covered dish for 30 seconds or in a small pan on the stovetop over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Allow oil to cool back to room temperature.
- Hold a spear of asparagus at each end and snap it. The spear breaks where the tender tops meet the tough bottoms. Line the broken spear up with the bundle of cleaned asparagus. Cut the spears using the guideline of the snapped spear. Par boil the asparagus tops in 1 inch simmering water covered for 3 to 5 minutes. Cool under cold running water and drain. Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces on an angle and add to a bowl. Combine chopped, cooked asparagus with shredded endive, red bell pepper, cooked pasta, green peas and chopped parsley. The peas will defrost as you toss salad. Pour vinegar into a small bowl and whisk in cooled shallot oil. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Season salad with salt and pepper, to your taste and toss again.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander and let cool.
- Meanwhile, slice asparagus on the bias into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the asparagus on a sheet tray and drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place in oven and roast for 10 minutes, until slightly tender. Remove and let cool.
- In a small bowl, combine shallot, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add chives.
- Add pasta and roasted asparagus to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Add the crumbled goat cheese, toss and serve.
CHILLED ASPARAGUS SALAD
I like to use a kitchen scissor to cut only the very bottom from the stalk; breaking it off causes more of the bottom to go to waste, which is otherwise perfectly edible. With the smaller, thinner "pencil" asparagus, the stalks are too thin to peel and you need that protective layer so the asparagus keep their shape during cooking. For larger asparagus, where the skin is tougher, I do peel the stalk but leave the tip and an inch or so below the tip, unpeeled. The top is tender enough that it can be cooked as is.
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories side-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- I like asparagus al dente, slightly crunchy. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add salt until it tastes like mild seawater. How will you know? Take a little water with a spoon and taste it, then add the sugar.
- Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl, large enough to hold the asparagus, with cold water. Add some ice cubes. Plunge the asparagus into the ice bath before cooking. This will help to bring any limp stalks back to life. Remove from the ice bath, plunge them into the boiling water and allow them to cook, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water, transferring them immediately to the same ice bath. Allow them to sit in the ice bath for a few minutes, swirling them gently in the water to assure they are all cooling quickly in the cold water.
- The most important step for this dish? Drying the stalks once they are removed from the ice bath. Taking care that no water gets into the final salad is the best way to assure that the maximum flavor will be enjoyed! Transfer the asparagus to a large plate or platter lined with a kitchen towel and refrigerate.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey and mustard. Stir to blend. Whisk in the olive oil in an even, steady stream. When all of the oil has been integrated, taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
- When ready to serve, remove the kitchen towel from the asparagus and simply toss the asparagus in the dressing to coat them completely. Arrange the stalks on plates and serve.
ASPARAGUS AND CHICKEN SALAD WITH GINGER DRESSING
Asparagus takes easily to many kinds of seasonings, so after you've tired of having it plain with butter or homemade mayonnaise, try this spicy dressing laced with ginger and chiles. Adding smoked chicken is a nice way to make a more substantial first course or light lunch. You can purchase smoked chicken at better butcher shops or online, but equally good is grilled chicken at room temperature, or cold poached chicken. I sometimes substitute lightly smoked ham or smoked slab bacon, simmered until tender.
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, lunch, quick, salads and dressings, main course, side dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- To make the vinaigrette, put shallots in a small bowl. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and cayenne and let steep for 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, then whisk in sesame oil and vegetable oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Snap off the tough end of each asparagus spear, then cut each spear into 2-inch lengths. Cut thicker pieces in half lengthwise as necessary so all cut pieces are approximately the same size. Place asparagus pieces into boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Drain and cool under running water. Blot dry.
- To make the salad, put asparagus in a salad bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add chile, if using, and crushed peanuts. Dress with half the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
- Arrange dressed asparagus on a platter or on individual plates. Tear chicken slices into strips and scatter over asparagus. Drizzle a little more vinaigrette over the salad and give it a good squeeze of lime. Garnish with basil, mint and cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 502, UnsaturatedFat 30 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 698 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Shock the pasta in ice water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and preserve its texture.
- Use a variety of vegetables in the salad for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the salad.
- Use a light and flavorful dressing to enhance the taste of the salad without overpowering it.
- Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing and summery dish.
Conclusion:
This chilled chicken asparagus pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic, potluck, or lunch. With its combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a light and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and satisfying meal, give this chilled chicken asparagus pasta salad a try.
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