Mediterranean Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients that celebrate the essence of spring. Adapted from the beloved 'Simply Down Home Cookbook,' this dish showcases the rich flavors of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and juicy grape tomatoes. With the added zing of feta cheese and the fragrant aroma of fresh basil, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next gathering. Ideal for warm weather, it's a dish that highlights the bountiful produce from Hadley, Massachusetts, known for its exceptional asparagus. Enjoy this refreshing salad warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne rigate or rotini pasta
1 lb (Cooked according to package instructions)
Boneless cooked chicken
6-8 ounces (Seasoned to taste and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Fresh asparagus
1 lb (Washed, ends trimmed, and cut into one-inch pieces)
Fresh grape tomatoes
16 ounces (Halved)
Fresh basil
2/3 cup (Chopped)
Pitted olives (kalamata or choice)
1/2 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Feta cheese
1 cup (Crumbled or use 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (Regular or aged, based on preference)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (Used for dressing)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the penne rigate or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and keep it warm by returning it to the pot off the heat.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the asparagus by washing it thoroughly and removing the tough ends. Cut the asparagus into one-inch pieces.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the chopped asparagus in the skillet and steam for 1-2 minutes until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside.
4
Next, chop the fully cooked chicken into one-inch pieces and halve the grape tomatoes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
6
Add the warm pasta and steamed asparagus to the bowl with the dressing, tossing gently until both are well-coated.
7
Fold in the chopped chicken, halved grape tomatoes, fresh basil, chopped olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
8
Serve the pasta salad warm or allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Asparagus Pasta Salad?
A vibrant salad that blends fresh seasonal ingredients like chicken, asparagus, and grape tomatoes to celebrate the essence of spring.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use one pound of penne rigate or rotini pasta.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Wash the asparagus thoroughly, remove the tough ends, and cut them into one-inch pieces.
How long should the asparagus be steamed?
Steam the chopped asparagus for 1-2 minutes until it is crisp-tender.
What kind of chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 6-8 ounces of boneless cooked chicken, seasoned to taste and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
You should use 16 ounces of fresh grape tomatoes and halve them.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What kind of olives should I add?
You can use 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped pitted olives, such as kalamata.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese instead of the 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How much lemon juice is used?
Use 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of regular or aged balsamic vinegar.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
Use 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Add one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, or to taste.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, you can serve the pasta salad warm or at room temperature.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from the 'Simply Down Home Cookbook'.
Why is Hadley, Massachusetts mentioned?
Hadley is known for its exceptional asparagus, which is a featured ingredient in this spring recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, salad, pasta salad, chicken, asparagus, healthy, seasonal, spring recipe, and easy meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and vibrant meal featuring fresh produce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
How do I keep the pasta warm?
After draining, return the pasta to the pot off the heat to keep it warm.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The cooked chicken should be chopped into one-inch pieces.
How do I combine the dressing and pasta?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl, then add the warm pasta and steamed asparagus and toss gently.
When do I add the basil and feta?
Fold in the fresh basil, chopped olives, and crumbled feta cheese after the pasta and asparagus have been coated in dressing.
Can I use rotini instead of penne?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests either penne rigate or rotini pasta.
Is it okay to use aged balsamic vinegar?
Yes, the recipe states you can use regular or aged balsamic vinegar based on your preference.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for one cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What is the suggested serving occasion?
It is ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish for gatherings and warm weather events.
How do I ensure the asparagus is crisp-tender?
Steam it for just 1-2 minutes in a small amount of simmering water and drain well.