Are you looking for a delicious dish to bring to a family picnic this summer? Introducing our Fusilli Pasta Chicken Salad, a satisfying and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It’s simple to make and can be prepared beforehand, so it’s ready to go when you are.
To start, we have a variety of pasta options available. While fusilli pasta is recommended, you can also opt for farfalle, rotini, penne, or orecchiette. Pasta with ridges rather than a smooth surface (like elbow macaroni) will better hold the dressing. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute with gluten-free pasta to accommodate everyone’s needs.
For the protein component, cooked chicken is the ideal choice. Whether it’s leftover grilled, baked, sautéed, or rotisserie chicken, it will add substance to the salad. If you want an enhanced flavor profile, consider cooking the chicken on a Traeger for a smoky twist.
To enhance the salad’s taste, we incorporate crispy bacon. Freshness is brought by halved grape or cherry tomatoes, while green onions contribute a mild yet enjoyable flavor. And let’s not forget about the irresistible Parmesan cheese. Its cheesy and salty goodness adds a fun element to the salad. However, you can add other ingredients to the salad based on your preferences. For example, add fresh spinach, cooked peas, or cubed avocado (always add the avocado right before serving it.)
How to make the dressing:
You can use a pre-packaged option from your favorite supermarket for a quick and simple dressing. Two popular options are the “Good Seasonings” Italian Dressing packets or the Kraft Zesty Italian dressing in a bottle. However, preparing your own isn’t complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice from one lemon, plus 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
To prepare the dressing, simply add all the ingredients into a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk until they are combined well.
Ingredients for the Fusilli Pasta Chicken Salad:
- 1 pound of cooked boneless and skinless TBS chicken. You can use leftovers or grill a few chicken breasts–whatever is easy to prepare.
- 1 pound of fusilli pasta (or whatever kind of pasta you prefer)
- 6 strips of cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the pasta according to the packaged directions. After it has cooked, drain it well to remove excess water.
- Combine the pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, green onion, and parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir to mix well.
- Pour the dressing onto the salad and mix well.
- Allow the chicken salad to sit for 30 minutes so the pasta will absorb the dressing.
Get everything you need for your family picnic from The Butcher Shop
Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store that comes from who knows where? We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available to us locally! The Butcher Shop is your one-stop shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.