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Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad cover
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Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients

0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
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Cook your pasta in salted water according to package directions to al dente. When the pasta is finished, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
2
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While the pasta is cooking you can toast your pine nuts. To toast them, place them in a small dry skillet in an even layer. Heat them over medium low heat, stirring occasionally for about 3-5 minutes or until they are a nice golden brown. Be careful they burn easily. Set the toasted pine nuts aside to cool
3
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Place the cooked and drained pasta in a large bowl add in the chicken, then add in the cut tomatoes, chopped cucumber and diced onions. Stir gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
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Roughly chop or tear the spinach and arugula, add it in and stir to distribute.
5
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Next add in the pesto and the sun dried tomatoes. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
6
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Now add in the shredded parmesan cheese, mozzarella pearls, and toasted pine nuts. Stir to evenly distribute.
7
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8
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Garnish with additional shredded parmesan and toasted pine nuts if desired.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Shock Your Pasta 🧊
    Immediately transfer pasta to an ice bath after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent mushiness, ensuring the perfect al dente texture that won't become soggy when mixed with dressing.
  • Toast Your Pine Nuts 🔥
    Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant to unlock their rich, buttery flavor and prevent them from tasting bland or raw in the salad.
  • Dress Strategically ⏰
    Add pesto dressing just before serving or keep it separate until the last moment to prevent the fresh basil from oxidizing and turning brown, maintaining that vibrant green color and bright flavor.
  • Pound Your Chicken Evenly 🔨
    Butterfly or pound your chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure they cook uniformly without dry edges, resulting in tender, juicy pieces perfect for chunking into the salad.
  • Dry Your Greens Thoroughly 🥗
    Pat arugula and spinach completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from diluting the pesto dressing and making the salad watery over time.

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