Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Chicken
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Chicken, a quick and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining al dente penne pasta, tender blanched asparagus, juicy cherry tomatoes, and protein-packed chicken, this recipe offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, every bite is fresh, tangy, and satisfying. Fresh basil adds an aromatic, herbaceous finish, making this pasta salad a crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a nutritious, make-ahead meal that’s ideal for busy schedules.
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Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 200 grams asparagus
- 300 grams cooked chicken breast
- 150 grams cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
Step 3
Bring another pot of water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool. Drain again and set aside.
Step 4
Slice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
Step 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus, chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 8
Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1126.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2048.8 |
| Total Fat 72.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g | |
| Cholesterol 239.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1535.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 215.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 18.9g | |
| Protein 131.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 148.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1522.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories