Best 2 Little Nancys Pasta Salad With Fruit And Chicken Recipes

Little Nancy's Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Fusion of Sweet and Savory

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with Little Nancy's Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish that tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This refreshing salad combines the classic comfort of pasta with a refreshing medley of fruits and succulent chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. As you dive into this dish, you'll be greeted with a burst of sweetness from the juicy grapes and pineapple, perfectly complemented by the savory notes of grilled chicken and crisp celery. A creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, adds a velvety richness that ties all the elements together. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a potluck, or simply seeking a delightful lunch option, Little Nancy's Pasta Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

This versatile dish offers endless possibilities for customization. From experimenting with different types of pasta to incorporating your favorite fruits and vegetables, the variations are limitless. With its vibrant colors, delightful flavors, and customizable options, Little Nancy's Pasta Salad is an absolute delight that will add a touch of culinary magic to any occasion.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL VINAIGRETTE

Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds tricolor spiral pasta
Kosher salt
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cups oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
8 ounces sharp white Cheddar, diced into 1-inch pieces
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 1/2 cups Basil Vinaigrette, recipe follows
1/3 cup Champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 shallot, roughly chopped
4 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Spread the pine nuts in an even layer on a small baking sheet. Transfer to the oven, and toast until golden and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, toasted pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes olives, Cheddar, chickpeas, cucumbers, and basil vinaigrette. Toss well. Serve cold.
Add the vinegar, honey, mustard, shallots, basil and some salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until well combined. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil; blend until fully combined.

FRUITED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Fruited Chicken Pasta Salad image

"This easy, 5-ingredient recipe makes a nice alternative to potato salad for a summer side dish." It's also refreshing, colorful and a great way to use up leftover chicken. Enjoy! Bridget Francoeur - Adrian, MI

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup halved green grapes
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, oranges and grapes. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water; add to chicken mixture. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.Easy Asian Noodles: Substitute 8 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti for bow tie pasta, adding a 10-ounce package of julienned carrots and 1/2 pound sugar snap peas during last minute of cooking. Drain; add chicken, oranges and 1/2 cup stir-fry sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316 calories, Fat 15g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

Tips:

- Use a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for a colorful and flavorful salad. - Choose a high-quality pasta, such as penne or rotini, that will hold up well in the salad. - Cook the pasta al dente so that it has a slight bite to it. - Grill or roast the chicken for a smoky flavor. - Make a simple dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. - Toss the salad gently to combine all of the ingredients. - Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Little Nancy's Pasta Salad with Fruit and Chicken is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. With its colorful ingredients and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.