Chicken and Strawberry Pasta Salad

 

Chicken and Strawberry Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweetness of ripe strawberries. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or bowtie)
• 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
• Season the diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. You can grill, bake, or sauté the chicken until it's cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Allow it to cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, sliced strawberries, red onion, cucumber, and chopped basil.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
• If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for an extra burst of flavor.
• Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• When ready to serve, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.

This Chicken and Strawberry Pasta Salad is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner, especially during the summer months when strawberries are in season. Enjoy!