Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
Chicken Pasta Salad features diced cooked chicken breast paired with al dente orzo pasta and a colorful blend of vegetables such as corn, diced boiled eggs, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and green onion. The dressing is a creamy mix of yogurt, mayonnaise, sunflower or olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill or parsley, seasoned with salt and pepper. The orzo is boiled and cooled, then combined with the veggies and chicken before being tossed in the dressing. This salad offers a fresh, textured contrast between soft pasta and crisp vegetables enhanced by the herbaceous, tangy dressing. It can be served chilled as a convenient lunch or a side dish at family meals.
The use of yogurt and mayo creates a smooth, mildly tangy coating that binds the ingredients nicely without overpowering the flavors. The lemon juice adds brightness to balance the richness. This salad can be prepared ahead, keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve to preserve freshness. It's a meal option that blends protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pasta Salad:
- 1 chicken breast trimmed, large
- 8 oz orzo pasta 3 cups, cooked
- 1 corn 15 oz can drained, or kernels from 2 cooked corn on the cobs
- 4 egg diced, boiled
- 1 red bell pepper or orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot julienned or grated
- 3/4 cup green onion red onion can be used, finely chopped
- 4-5 garden cucumber small or 1 English cucumber, diced
Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp yogurt plain, Greek
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp sunflower oil or olive oil
- lemon about 4 Tbsp, juice from 1 large
- 1 Tbsp dill finely chopped, or parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/4 black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place a large skillet, over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add seasoned chicken to the pan and sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 3 minutes per side). Remove to a cutting board, cool to room temperature, then dice.
- Cook pasta in salted water until aldente, according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine all of your pasta salad Ingredients: diced chicken breast, 3 cups cooked orzo pasta, corn, diced egg, cucumber and bell pepper, julienned carrot and chopped green onion. Toss salad together then drizzle with creamy dressing and toss again to combine. Add salt to taste if desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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