Jim's Garden Pasta and Chicken Salad
Jim's Garden Pasta and Chicken Salad for refreshing entree
Equipment
- knife and cutting board
- kitchen scissors
- large mixing bowl
- large pasta pot
- strainer
- large slotted spoon
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
Instructions
Balsamic Dressing
- 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.
- Making Pasta Chicken Salad
- Cook pasta al dente. You can also use leftover pasta. Cool.
- Chopped cooked chicken breast into small bite sized cubes.
- Half cherry tomatoes unless, they are smaller to bite sized
- Add mozzarella balls and cooled pasta
- Using a large mixing bowl add all ingredients as you prepare them. Add balsamic dressing and toss until well mixed. Chill as needed.
- The salad is ready to eat. For best taste, marinate several hours or overnight