Zesty Chicken & Blueberry Pasta Salad
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with our Zesty Chicken & Blueberry Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish features tender poached chicken combined with the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the creaminess of feta cheese, all tossed with whole wheat pasta for a hearty yet light meal. Drizzled with a tangy lime dressing and complemented by fragrant thyme, it’s perfect for summer evenings or as a refreshing option for potlucks and picnics. Enjoy this nutritious dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it not only satisfying but also a healthful choice for your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (trimmed of fat)
whole wheat fusilli or radiatore
8 ounces (uncooked)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
large shallot
1 (thinly sliced)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup (none)
crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup (none)
lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
fresh blueberries
1 cup (washed)
thyme
1 tablespoon (fresh or dried)
lime zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by poaching the chicken. Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a skillet or saucepan and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until fully cooked. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the water and place it on a cutting board to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized strips.
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2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole wheat fusilli or radiatore pasta and cook according to package directions or until just tender, approximately 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
3. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, combine the extra virgin olive oil and thinly sliced shallots. Sauté for 2 to 5 minutes until the shallots are softened and beginning to brown. Carefully stir in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, crumbled feta cheese, and lime juice. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the feta starts to melt, about 1 to 2 minutes.
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4. To the bowl of pasta, add the shredded chicken, warm dressing mixture, fresh blueberries, thyme, lime zest, and salt. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated with the dressing.
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5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your refreshing and nourishing pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Chicken & Blueberry Pasta Salad?
The main protein in this recipe is 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast.
What type of pasta is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked whole wheat fusilli or radiatore.
How is the chicken cooked in this recipe?
The chicken is poached by simmering it in water for 10 to 12 minutes until fully cooked.
Are the blueberries fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifically requires 1 cup of fresh, washed blueberries.
What kind of cheese is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How do you make the zesty lime dressing?
The dressing is made by sautéing shallots in olive oil, then stirring in chicken broth, feta cheese, and lime juice until the feta begins to melt.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried thyme.
How long does the pasta need to boil?
The pasta should be cooked for approximately 9 minutes or until just tender according to package directions.
Should this pasta salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served immediately while warm or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors meld.
What provides the zesty flavor in this dish?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of fresh lime juice and freshly grated lime zest.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing and portable option perfect for potlucks and picnics.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing the shallots?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the chicken be prepared after poaching?
After the chicken has cooled, it should be shredded into bite-sized strips.
What is the purpose of adding chicken broth to the dressing?
The reduced-sodium chicken broth adds depth of flavor and helps create a warm sauce with the feta and lime.
Is this a healthy meal choice?
Yes, it is a nutritious dish packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required, including the chicken, pasta, fruits, and seasonings.
Do I need to trim the chicken?
Yes, the chicken breasts should be trimmed of fat before poaching.
What vegetable is used in the base of the dressing?
One large shallot, thinly sliced, is sautéed to start the dressing.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
Is the lime zest added to the skillet or the bowl?
The lime zest is added directly to the large mixing bowl with the pasta and chicken.
Can I substitute the whole wheat pasta with white pasta?
While whole wheat is suggested for health benefits, you can use regular fusilli or radiatore if preferred.
How long should I sauté the shallots?
The shallots should be sautéed for 2 to 5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
What should the texture of the chicken be?
The chicken should be tender and no longer pink in the center.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What does the feta cheese do in the recipe?
The feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty tang as it melts into the warm dressing.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Yes, the fresh blueberries and lime make it a vibrant and light choice for summer evenings.
How do you combine the ingredients?
Add the chicken, dressing, blueberries, thyme, zest, and salt to the pasta and toss gently to coat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, chilling it for an hour actually helps the flavors meld together better.
What is the main source of fiber in this dish?
The fiber comes primarily from the whole wheat pasta and the fresh blueberries.
How much lime zest is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lime zest.