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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
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.
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.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
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.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
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
Calories |
2049 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.8 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 239 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 1536 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 215.8 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.7 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.9 g | ||
| Protein | 131.4 g | 263% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 17.1 mg | 95% | |
| Potassium | 1523 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
