Looking for a dish that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and savory flavors? Dive into the delightful world of our Castello Summer Blue Chicken Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese! This vibrant and satisfying salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With just 35 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a refreshing meal that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Castello blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the Castello blue cheese into small pieces for easy incorporation into the salad.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow it to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, you can add more blue cheese or additional salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- To serve, transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
- This dish can be served immediately or refrigerated for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your Castello Summer Blue Chicken Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Choose pasta shapes that hold onto the dressing well, such as fusilli or rotini, to enhance the overall texture of your salad.
- Chicken Choices: For added flavor, consider using grilled or smoked chicken instead of plain cooked chicken to elevate your dish.
- Cheese Crumbles: If you love blue cheese, don’t hesitate to add more! A little extra crumbled cheese can enhance the dish's richness.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or dill in addition to basil for a unique twist on flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
- Dressing Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a subtle kick, or swap balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar for a different tang.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
