Imagine a dish that combines the zesty tang of lemon, the creamy richness of mayonnaise, and the perfect blend of tender chicken and savory artichokes - all tossed together in a refreshing pasta salad that's guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering! This Italian-inspired Pasta Salad with Chicken and Artichokes is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. If using uncooked chicken, gently poach or pan-sear the chicken breasts, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the canned artichoke hearts and chop them into smaller, uniform pieces. Set aside.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and chopped artichoke hearts to the dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture in your salad. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool quickly.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex taste.
- Use high-quality, freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to customize by adding extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley, or throw in some cherry tomatoes or olives for additional color and taste.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
