Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Servings
5 - 6 people
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Calories
602 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chicken
Description
The Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Chicken integrates cooked spiral pasta cooled under running water with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and red onion. Shredded chicken adds protein, while sun-dried tomatoes contribute an intense, slightly chewy texture. The dressing is made by combining oil from the sun-dried tomatoes with white wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and mixed dried herbs, resulting in a balanced vinaigrette that ties the dish together.
The salad is tossed thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats every ingredient, and the crumbled feta provides a salty contrast upon serving. The combination of textures—from the tender pasta, crisp spinach, juicy tomatoes, to the soft sun-dried tomatoes—makes for a satisfying bite. Serving at room temperature allows the flavors to meld without dulling the fresh textures.
For making ahead, the dressing can be refreshed by mixing in some reserved pasta cooking water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. Reheating slightly or bringing to room temperature before serving helps keep the salad juicy. Variations can include swapping chicken for other vegetables or charred peppers, depending on preference. The recipe yields 5 to 6 servings as a meal or 8 to 10 as a side dish.
Utilizing store-bought mixed herbs simplifies preparation, but a blend of thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, and a touch of rosemary can be used. It’s important to adjust the herbs to taste. Proper storage and gentle reheating preserve the salad's texture and flavor for subsequent servings.
Ingredients
- 375 g / 12 oz spiral pasta , or other pasta of choice
- 220 g / 7 oz sun dried tomatoes jar, strips in oil
- 2 cups chicken packed, shredded, cooked
- 250 g / 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 75 g / 2.5 oz baby spinach (2 big handfuls)
- 1 red onion small, quartered and finely sliced
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (Note 1)
- 100 g / 3 oz feta cheese crumbled
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup / 85 ml sun dried tomato oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (Note 1)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Drain oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes.
- Measure out 1/3 cup of the oil, top with extra virgin olive oil if short. Reserve excess oil for another purpose.
- Add remaining Dressing ingredients. Mix well.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water per packet directions.
- Drain, then rinse briefly under cold water. Leave to cool.
- Transfer into large bowl. Add spinach, chicken, tomato, onion, pour over Dressing.
- Toss well, sprinkle with dried herbs, toss again.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with crumbled feta. Best served at room temperature.
Make ahead PRO TIP (Note 2):
- SCOOP OUT a mug of pasta cooking water just before draining. Add 3 tbsp water to Dressing, shake well. Use this Dressing per above, but reserve 3 tbsp to freshen up pasta salad on Day 2 onwards.
- Freshen up pasta salad: Bring to room temp or briefly microwave (cold pasta = dry) to warm gently. Toss with Reserved Dressing then serve.
Notes
- Use store-bought or a mix of thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, and a small amount of rosemary for the herbs.
- This salad tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
- To prevent dryness when making ahead, increase dressing volume by mixing in pasta cooking water, then reserve some for later to freshen it up.
- Warm the salad slightly or bring it to room temperature before serving to improve texture and juiciness if stored cold.
- Variations can include substituting chicken with artichokes, asparagus, olives, char-grilled peppers, or avocado.
- Serves 5-6 as a meal or 8-10 as a side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5- 6 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 602 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 602cal | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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