Chicken Penne Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing
User Reviews
5
Chicken Penne Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing
Description
Chicken Penne Salad with Creamy Parmesan Dressing combines evenly cooked diced chicken breast seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, with al dente penne pasta, fresh baby spinach, and flavorful additions like roasted red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. Cubed white cheeses such as smoked mozzarella or sharp cheddar add a mild sharpness and creamy texture. The result is a colorful, satisfying salad with varied textures.
The dressing adds tang and richness through Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, enhanced by Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and seasoning. Blending these creates a smooth, creamy dressing that coats the salad ingredients evenly without overpowering their flavors.
This salad is suitable for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or prepared ahead for convenient lunches. It can be served cold or at room temperature and pairs well as a side or main dish. The use of Italian seasoning on the chicken ties the components together, giving a cohesive flavor profile.
Consider making the salad in advance and refrigerating it up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or slightly cooled for best texture and taste.
Ingredients
- 1-2 chicken breast pounded to even thickness, boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon per chicken breast)
- 2 cups penne pasta regular or whole wheat, dry
- 4 cups baby spinach or similar dark greens
- 1 ounce jar red bell pepper drained and chopped, roasted
- 1 ounce jar tomatoes about ⅔-1 cup), chopped, sun dried
- 1 cup white cheese smoked mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, creamy havarti, etc, diced
Dressing
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parsley fresh
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain, fat free
- ¼ cup mayonnaise I used light
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- salt I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
- black pepper I used about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place penne in a medium sauce pan. Cover noodles with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in an oiled pan or skillet over medium heat 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and chop into 1 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl toss together penne, chicken, spinach, red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and cheese.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Pour dressing over salad ingredients, toss to combine, and serve.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning on the chicken to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 288mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2274IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 192mg | 19% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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