Description
A refreshing and vibrant chicken pasta salad featuring bowtie pasta, tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and sweet mandarin oranges, all tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfectly chilled, it’s an ideal dish for a light lunch or picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/3 cup poppy seed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked bowtie pasta and the chopped cooked chicken breast, mixing gently to combine the base of the salad.
- Add Vegetables and Fruits: Incorporate the mandarin orange segments, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped celery, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries into the bowl, distributing ingredients evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is well coated with the dressing.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired for optimal flavor.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked and cooled pasta for best texture.
- Mandarin oranges can be fresh or canned; drain canned oranges well to avoid excess moisture.
- For a homemade poppy seed dressing, combine mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated to enhance flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.
