Description
A refreshing and vibrant chicken strawberry pasta salad combining tender cooked chicken, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all tossed with mixed greens and a flavorful poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces pasta such as rotini or bowtie
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
Produce
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dairy and Nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing or honey mustard dressing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced red onion if using.
- Add Greens: Gently fold in the mixed salad greens or baby spinach to the bowl with the other ingredients, ensuring an even distribution without bruising the leaves.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the poppy seed or honey mustard dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add avocado slices or cucumber for extra freshness and texture.
- For a lighter option, use a yogurt-based dressing instead of a creamy poppy seed dressing.
