Description
A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound dried bowtie pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 3/4 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 bunch of tarragon (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch of parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch of mint (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup toasted flaked almonds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon capers (rinsed and drained)
- 1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Grill or cook them in a pan over medium heat until cooked through; set aside to cool before slicing.
- Cook the pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the flaked almonds and toast them until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, thawed peas, tarragon, parsley, mint, capers, and toasted almonds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle crumbled feta on top and add more fresh herbs for decoration. Serve chilled or at room temperature for delightful flavor.
Notes
Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld. Can be prepared a day in advance; add nuts and herbs just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg