Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad

Introduction

History

Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad is a modern twist on the classic pasta salad, which has been a popular dish for decades. The addition of chicken and Dijon mustard adds a protein-packed punch and a flavorful kick to this traditional recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breast in the Dijon mustard dressing before cooking.

- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente.

- Grill or bake the chicken breast until cooked through.

- Mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl before tossing with the pasta and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a creamier dressing.

- Swap out the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile.

- Replace the broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and light meal. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with sparkling water or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 6g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat and dairy

Summary

Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a tangy Dijon mustard dressing, tender chicken breast, and rotini pasta, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my dear friend Margaret over for lunch. Margaret was always bringing over delicious dishes that she had learned from her travels around the world. On this particular day, she arrived with a large bowl of this incredible pasta salad that had me hooked from the first bite.

As I savored the flavors of the tender chicken, tangy Dijon mustard, and crisp vegetables, I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me. She smiled and told me that she had learned it from a French chef who had worked at a small bistro in Paris. With a twinkle in her eye, she promised to teach me how to make it the next time we got together.

True to her word, Margaret came over a few days later, armed with all the ingredients we needed to recreate the Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad. We spent the afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, grilling chicken, and tossing everything together in a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. I was amazed at how simple and yet how incredibly delicious the recipe was.

From that day on, Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. And every time I served it, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I like to use rotini pasta instead of penne, as the spirals hold the dressing better and add a fun twist to the dish. I also like to add a handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and basil, for an extra burst of flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your own tastes and dietary preferences. You can swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu, or add in your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as delicious as the last.

As I write this, I can't help but think of all the wonderful memories I have shared with friends and family over a bowl of Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad. From lazy summer picnics in the park to cozy winter dinners by the fire, this dish has been a constant companion, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste it.

I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this incredible recipe, and to the French chef who originally created it. And I am grateful for the opportunity to pass it down to future generations, so that they too can experience the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying dish to serve at your table, give this Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Bon appétit!

Categories

| Broccoli Recipes | Chicken Breast Recipes | Dijon Mustard Recipes | Red Onion Recipes | Rotini Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Wheat Germ Recipes | White Wine Vinegar Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients