Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad

Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad Recipe - Delicious and Healthy

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, artichoke hearts, avocado, and a creamy avocado dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal on a warm day.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken and pasta salads, incorporating fresh and vibrant ingredients to create a colorful and nutritious dish. The creamy avocado dressing adds a rich and creamy texture to the salad, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 skinned and boned chicken breast halves
16 oz (454 g) uncooked penne pasta
1 tsp salt
3 qt (2.84 liter) boiling water
1 lb (454 g) fresh asparagus
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can artichoke heart quarters, drained
6 cups gourmet lettuces
1 california avocado, peeled and sliced

Avocado dressing

2 california avocados, peeled and seeded
0.25 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
0.5 cup olive oil
0.25 cup white wine vinegar
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a shallow dish and top with 0.33 cup of avocado dressing.
Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade.
Cook the chicken in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 7 minutes on each side or until done.
Allow the chicken to cool and then chop it.
Cook the pasta and 1 tsp of salt in 3 qt (2.84 liter) of boiling water for 8 minutes.
Add the asparagus and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Drain and allow to cool.
Toss together the pasta, asparagus, chicken, artichoke hearts, and the remaining dressing.
Serve on lettuce-lined plates and top with avocado slices.

Avocado dressing

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides.
Chill, if desired.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a vegetarian option.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in the avocado dressing adds flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through to ensure food safety.

- Cooking the pasta and asparagus together saves time and allows the flavors to meld together.

- Tossing the salad ingredients with the avocado dressing just before serving ensures that the flavors are fresh and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad on a bed of gourmet lettuces for a fresh and vibrant presentation. Garnish with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken in the avocado dressing for added flavor and tenderness.

- Cook the pasta and asparagus together to save time and allow the flavors to meld together.

- Toss the salad ingredients with the avocado dressing just before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

- Substitute green beans or broccoli for the asparagus.

- Use a different type of lettuce, such as arugula or spinach, for the salad base.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the avocado dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

- Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal. - Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and complementary beverage.

- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light dessert, such as sorbet or fruit salad, for a sweet finish to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

- Do not overheat the salad, as the avocado dressing may become too warm and lose its creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe come primarily from the pasta, asparagus, and artichoke hearts. These complex carbohydrates provide a good source of energy and fiber, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the avocado and olive oil in the dressing. These healthy fats are heart-healthy and provide essential nutrients for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

The protein in this recipe comes from the chicken breast, which is a lean source of protein that helps to build and repair muscle tissue. Protein is essential for overall health and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the asparagus and artichoke hearts, vitamin E from the avocado, and various minerals from the chicken and vegetables. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains avocado, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With tender chicken, fresh asparagus, artichoke hearts, avocado, and a creamy avocado dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish for a refreshing meal option that is both healthy and delicious.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for a luncheon. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in food and always had the most delicious dishes at her gatherings.

As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices filled the air. Margaret was busy chopping up green vegetables and herbs, her hands moving swiftly and confidently as she worked. I couldn't help but be intrigued by what she was preparing.

"What are you making, Margaret?" I asked, curious as always about her culinary creations.

"Oh, just a little something I learned from a friend of mine," she replied with a smile. "It's a recipe for Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer day like today."

I watched as she cooked the chicken to perfection and tossed it with cooked pasta, fresh spinach, basil, and a homemade vinaigrette dressing. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, and I could already imagine how delicious it would taste.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad, and it was like a burst of flavor in my mouth. The combination of the tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp vegetables was simply divine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After the luncheon, I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She told me that she had learned it from her friend who had traveled to Italy and had picked up the recipe from a local chef. I was excited to try my hand at making it and adding my own twist to the dish.

Over the years, I have made the Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad countless times, each time adapting it to suit my own taste and preferences. I have added extra herbs, swapped out vegetables, and experimented with different types of pasta. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of the dish always remains the same – light, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it is so versatile. I have served it at summer barbecues, picnics in the park, and even as a light dinner on hot evenings. It is always a hit with my family and friends, who never fail to ask for the recipe after trying it.

One of the most special memories I have of making this dish was when my grandchildren came to visit me one summer. I had prepared a big batch of Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad for a family gathering, and the kids couldn't get enough of it. They loved the colorful vegetables, the tender chicken, and the tangy dressing.

Seeing the joy on their faces as they devoured the salad reminded me of why I love cooking so much. It's not just about the food itself, but the memories and moments that are created around the table. Food has a way of bringing people together, of sparking conversation and laughter, and of creating lasting bonds.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the times I have made the Emerald Chicken and Pasta Salad, I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared in this dish with me. Each bite is a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal I prepare, and the joy that comes from creating something delicious to share with others.

I hope that one day, my grandchildren will pass this recipe down to their own children, just as I have passed it down to them. And I hope that they will remember the warm summer days spent in my kitchen, learning how to cook with love and passion, just like their grandmother.