Description
Savor Mediterranean-inspired “Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad” where tangy notes dance with hearty ingredients. Colorful pasta, tender chicken, and zesty dressing create a perfect harmony that refreshes palates and satisfies hunger with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (9 ounces / 255 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
Cheese and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing and Oil:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken if needed)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare tortellini by boiling in salted water according to package instructions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Season chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
- Allow chicken to cool completely on a cutting board, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, prepared chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or extra cracked pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill, creating a refreshing and cohesive dish.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
Notes
- Quickly cool tortellini by rinsing with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Opt for precooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor, making meal prep a breeze.
- Customize the salad by swapping spinach with arugula for a peppery kick or adding grilled vegetables for more depth.
- Keep the salad fresh by storing dressing separately and mixing just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg