Summer Honey Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
405 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Summer Honey Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
This salad combines grilled chicken pieces with bite-sized bow tie pasta, yellow corn, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, sharp cheddar cubes, and finely diced red onion. The ingredients provide a variety of textures and colors, enhancing visual appeal and eating experience. The dressing is based on Greek yogurt mixed with reserved pasta water, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, lending a creamy yet fresh and tangy flavor.
The dressing coats the salad evenly, with the addition of honey drizzled just before serving to add a mild sweetness that complements the tart and herbal notes. The salad can be served immediately or chilled to allow flavors to meld further, making it versatile for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.
The recipe suggests optional incorporation of honey directly into the dressing or as a finishing touch. Chilling enhances flavor integration but is not mandatory.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. bow tie pasta mini
- 1/2 cup corn yellow, 70g
- 4 oz. grape tomatoes halved
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese cut into 1/4-inch cubes, sharp
- 1/2 cup cucumber finely diced, 90g
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced, 30g
- 12 oz. chicken chopped, grilled
- 4 tsp honey when ready to serve*
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayo, 120g
- 1/4 cup water reserved pasta water, 60g
- 2 Tbsp lemon fresh juice
- 1 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin, 15g
- 1 Tbsp dill weed dried or fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. When done, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water for the dressing and drain.
- Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and toss with the dressing to evenly coat. Add more salt or pepper as needed.
- If time allows, chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours so the flavors can meld together. Otherwise, serve right away. Drizzle honey over top when ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Honey can be mixed into the dressing or drizzled over the salad just before serving, depending on preference.
- Chilling the salad for 1-2 hours lets flavors meld well but you can serve immediately if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 405 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups (300g) | |
| Calories | 405kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 35.7g | 12% |
| Protein | 30.6g | 61% |
| Fat | 15.5g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6g | 28% |
| Cholesterol | 81.7mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 2.2g | 9% |
| Sugar | 10.3g | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.