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Jim's Garden Pasta and Chicken Salad

Jim's Garden Pasta and Chicken Salad for refreshing entree
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large precooked boneless skinless chicken breasts Option
  • 1 lb cooked spiral pasta
  • 2 cups mozzarella balls
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • BALASIMIC DRESSING INGREDIENTS
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves before cutting in small pieces
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon honey
  • 1 green onion or shallot chopped finely
  • 2 tablespoons finely cut or chopped fresh basil
  • 3 cloves finely chopped garlic
  • to taste salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • knife and cutting board
  • kitchen scissors
  • large mixing bowl
  • large pasta pot
  • strainer
  • large slotted spoon

Method
 

Balsamic Dressing
  1. Combine all ingredients in jar with lid. Whisk well until all ingredients are totally smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste as needed. Use about 1/3 to marinate uncooked chicken. If you are using left over baked chicken, use all the dressing in the salad mixture.
  2. Making Pasta Chicken Salad
  3. Cook pasta al dente. You can also use leftover pasta. Cool.
  4. Chopped cooked chicken breast into small bite sized cubes.
  5. Half cherry tomatoes unless, they are smaller to bite sized
  6. Add mozzarella balls and cooled pasta
  7. Using a large mixing bowl add all ingredients as you prepare them. Add balsamic dressing and toss until well mixed. Chill as needed.
  8. The salad is ready to eat. For best taste, marinate several hours or overnight