Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with our delectable Tortellini, Chicken, and Arugula Salad for Two. This vibrant dish combines tender tortellini, succulent chicken, peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing. Experience a burst of freshness with every bite as the zesty dressing enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, this salad is a delightful treat for lunch, dinner, or a light and refreshing meal any time of day.
In addition to the main recipe, we offer variations to suit your preferences. If you're a vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted zucchini or grilled eggplant. For a creamy twist, try our Avocado Dressing variation, which adds a luscious richness to the salad. And for a touch of indulgence, the Crispy Parmesan Tortellini recipe elevates the dish with golden-brown, crispy tortellini that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the exciting variations, this Tortellini, Chicken, and Arugula Salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its simplicity, freshness, and delectable flavors make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, light lunches, or special occasions. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
CHICKEN TORTELLINI SALAD RECIPE
This pasta salad with chicken and fresh vegetables makes a quick and delicious summer dinner and an even better lunch for the next day. Get a jump on meal planning and prep this recipe a day in advance. Make and refrigerate the basil vinaigrette (shake it well before dressing the salad). Mix the tortellini, shredded rotisserie chicken, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and corn in a large bowl; cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve the salad, dress the tortellini mixture with the dressing, stir in arugula, and top with toasted pecans. Get in the habit of toasting nuts every time you use them; toasting adds a depth of flavor and a wonderful aroma, as well as improving the texture of nuts so they stay crisp on top of salads or baked into breads and cookies. Toast several cups of nuts at one time, store in freezer-safe containers in the freezer, then pull out the amount you need when cooking. This salad recipe works well with whatever vegetables you have in your refrigerator or garden. Zucchini and yellow squash, bell peppers, heirloom tomatoes, and blanched snow peas are delicious dressed with the basil vinaigrette; just use your imagination. If arugula isn't available, use baby spinach leaves, instead. Keep a bottle of the basil vinaigrette in the refrigerator this summer and, along with dressing your favorite greens use it over grilled chicken and fish.
Provided by Pam Lolley
Categories Healthy and Light
Time 20m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt in a small bowl until combined. Gradually add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in basil, and set aside.
- Gently toss together cooked tortellini, chicken, tomatoes, peas, corn, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Gently stir in basil vinaigrette and fold in arugula. Sprinkle with pecans.
TORTELLINI, CHICKEN, AND ARUGULA SALAD
Provided by Emily Dingmann, inspired by Cooking Light
Time 29m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta as directed and set aside.
- Meanwhile, season chicken with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Broil on high for 8 minutes, flip over and broil for another 6 minutes, or until cooked through. (Can also cook on the grill.) Let rest for a few minutes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken and pasta are cooking, combine shallot, parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Toss together pasta, chicken, arugula, and dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 625 calories, Sugar 2 g, Fat 32 g, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 50 g, Cholesterol 175 mg
LEMON PARMESAN CHICKEN WITH ARUGULA SALAD TOPPING
Steps:
- Combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper on a dinner plate. On a second plate, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. On a third plate, combine the bread crumbs, the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the lemon zest and thyme, and set aside.
- Pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper until they are 1/4 inch thick. You can use either a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
- Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the prepared flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg mixture and dredge both sides in the bread-crumb mixture, pressing lightly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan and cook 2 or 3 chicken breasts on medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Add more butter and oil and cook the rest of the chicken breasts.
- Place the arugula in a large bowl. In a 1-cup glass measure, whisk together the 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour enough dressing on the arugula to moisten. Toss well.
- Pile some arugula on top of each hot chicken breast. With a very sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, shave the chunk of Parmesan into large shards and arrange them on top of the arugula.
TORTELLINI SALAD WITH TOMATO-ARUGULA DRESSING
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories side-dish
Time 30m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the tortellini and tomato-arugula dressing: Cook the tortellini to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and let cool.
- In a food processor, add the arugula, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, walnuts, lemon juice and garlic and pulse until just combined. Slowly stream in the olive oil until the dressing has a nice rustic consistency, about 10 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the salad: In a large bowl, mix the tortellini with the dressing until the pasta is completely coated. Add in the olives and bell peppers and mix. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with basil and Parmesan.
CHICKEN AND TORTELLINI SALAD
Children and adults love this simple-to-make Spring dinner salad. I made several changes to the original recipe which was printed in Bon Appetit (May, 1983).
Provided by ellie_
Categories Chicken
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine first 11 ingredients (chicken through green onion) in large salad bowl; toss.
- Mix mayonnaise, Parmesan and orange juice in small bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Add optional garnish of orange sections and/or strawberry slices.
- If desired, serve on trimmed spinach leaves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 894.9, Fat 32.8, SaturatedFat 10.8, Cholesterol 138.9, Sodium 941.8, Carbohydrate 105.7, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 32.7, Protein 49.2
CHICKEN & TORTELLINI SPINACH SALAD
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
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
TORTELLINI SALAD
Hold off on tossing in the prosciutto crisps and arugula in this Tortellini Salad until just before serving to keep them crisp.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange prosciutto in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush lightly with oil, and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook tortellini according to package instructions. Add peas, then immediately drain. Let cool 10 minutes, then toss in a large bowl with lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Break prosciutto into large pieces and toss with pasta along with arugula. Serve in bowls topped with cheese.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your salad taste its best. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender chicken.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
- Make the dressing ahead of time: This will give the flavors time to meld and develop. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
- Assemble the salad just before serving: This will prevent the greens from wilting. You can also chill the salad for up to 30 minutes before serving.
- Add some crunch: Nuts, seeds, and croutons add a nice crunch to the salad. You can also add some chopped vegetables, such as carrots or celery.
Conclusion:
This tortellini, chicken, and arugula salad is a delicious and easy-to-make meal. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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