Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this vibrant Chicken and Tortellini Salad! Packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach, this Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up this delightful salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, diced
- Cheese tortellini, cooked
- Spinach leaves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool down the pasta.
- While tortellini is cooking, dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized, uniform pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them lengthwise. Wash and pat dry the spinach leaves, ensuring they are crisp and clean.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring even coating of seasoning and olive oil. Be careful not to break the tortellini or bruise the spinach leaves.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow ingredients to marinate slightly.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing main course or side dish.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Tortellini: Follow the package instructions closely to ensure your tortellini is cooked al dente. Rinsing it with cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Season Your Chicken Well: If using raw chicken, don’t skimp on the seasoning. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavor, making your salad even more delicious.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best taste, use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. Their natural flavors will elevate your salad and provide a lovely crunch.
- Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to rest for about 10 minutes after tossing gives the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add other ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra kick. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your preferences!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 132kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 26mg
