Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of whole grain pasta, tender shredded chicken, and nutrient-packed kale in one mouthwatering salad. This isn't just another boring lunch recipe – it's a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your meal prep and leave your taste buds begging for more! Perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious foodies, and anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal that doesn't compromise on nutrition or taste.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, removing the tough stems. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the kale. Dice the red onion and add it to the same bowl, mixing all the ingredients together gently.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool the pasta for the salad. Allow it to drain well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk together until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the kale, tomatoes, and red onion. Also, add the shredded cooked chicken. Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is a great time to prepare any additional garnishes you may want to add, such as grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
- Serve the Chicken Pasta Salad with Kale in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Make sure to cook it just until tender but still firm to the bite.
- Cool pasta properly: Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Let flavors develop: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the ingredients marinate and intensifies the overall flavor profile.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber, or swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a different twist.
- Meal prep friendly: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for advance preparation and quick lunches throughout the week.Pro tip: For extra flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding crumbled feta cheese as a garnish just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
