Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken and Shrimp
This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is a showcase of delightful flavors and textures, featuring tender bow tie pasta tossed with sweet roasted red peppers, briny capers, and crunchy slivered almonds. The addition of succulent rotisserie chicken and juicy shrimp makes this dish a perfect centerpiece for a summer meal or a refreshing side for any occasion. With a tangy homemade vinaigrette that ties everything together, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to be served at a picnic, potluck, or family gathering.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
1 lb (cooked, drained, and cooled)
red onion
1/4 cup (minced)
roasted red pepper
1/2 cup (sliced (jarred peppers work best))
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
small capers
4 tablespoons
flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
olive oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled bow tie pasta, minced red onion, roasted red peppers, toasted slivered almonds, capers, and chopped parsley.
2
To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl.
3
While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth and emulsified dressing.
4
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
26.25g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken and Shrimp?
It is a vibrant salad featuring tender bow tie pasta, roasted red peppers, capers, slivered almonds, rotisserie chicken, and shrimp tossed in a homemade vinaigrette.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of bow tie (farfalle) pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled.
What kind of proteins are included in this salad?
This salad includes succulent rotisserie chicken and juicy shrimp as the primary protein sources.
How do I make the homemade vinaigrette?
Whisk together Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
What are the key Mediterranean ingredients in this dish?
The Mediterranean flavors come from the roasted red peppers, capers, flat-leaf parsley, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving based on the nutritional information provided.
Is there any crunch added to the salad?
Yes, toasted slivered almonds are included to provide a nutty crunch and texture.
What type of vinegar should be used for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for the vinaigrette.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, and it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped flat leaf (Italian) parsley.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Does the recipe use fresh or jarred peppers?
The recipe suggests using sliced jarred roasted red peppers for the best results and convenience.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 26.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How is the garlic prepared for the dressing?
One teaspoon of fresh garlic should be finely minced before being added to the dressing mixture.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the inclusion of lean proteins, heart-healthy olive oil, and fresh ingredients.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of minced red onion.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8.75 grams of protein per serving.
Are the capers small or large?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of small capers.
What is the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?
While the title mentions grilled chicken, the description notes that rotisserie chicken is a great, quick option for this dish.
Is this pasta salad good for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for summer meals, picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Can I serve this salad hot?
The recipe is intended to be served cold or at room temperature after the pasta has cooled.
What kind of mustard is in the dressing?
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is used to help flavor and emulsify the vinaigrette.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for the dressing.
Do I need to toast the almonds?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the slivered almonds should be toasted for better flavor.
What kind of salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 main ingredients used in this pasta salad.
What are the recommended tags for this dish?
Tags include pasta salad, mediterranean, quick meal, summer recipe, chicken, shrimp, and healthy.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
You should slowly drizzle the olive oil into the other vinaigrette ingredients while continuously whisking to create an emulsified dressing.
Should I season the salad after mixing?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the salad after tossing and adjusting with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.