| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 398 | 20g | 3.5g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 2g | 24g | 0.6g |
As the sun dances warmly across the horizon and the outdoors become irresistibly charming, it’s clear that delightful backyard feasts ample with refreshing food are around the corner. One dish that wins every time in this sunny season is the tantalizing Grape and Chicken Pasta Salad. Fusing the comforting wholesomeness of pasta with the succulent sweetness of fresh grapes and a hearty serving of chicken, this recipe is undeniably my go-to. Trust me when I say, it’s not your average salad.
Kitchen Roots and the Love for a Fusion of Flavors
Living in Texas right from my childhood, I’ve been thoroughly exposed to the vivacious Tex-Mex culinary scene. It’s largely influenced my cooking style and love for flavors that harmonize and contrast beautifully with one another. The Grape and Chicken Pasta Salad brings forward a similar fusion – the sweetness of grapes and the savory undertone of seasoned chicken and pasta pair in the most tantalizing manner. Not only does it remind me of the backyard picnics I grew up having in the heartland of Texas, but it also helps me introduce traditional Southern cuisine to my students in a vibrant, modern light.
A Delightful Dance of Sweet and Savory
This grape and chicken salad isn’t your typical pasta salad. Its uniqueness lies in pairing the slight sweetness of the red and green grapes with the savory character of the chicken and the crisp texture of celery. Additionally, the crunchiness of walnuts and the hint of sharpness from the red onion create a taste and texture sensation quite unlike any other. And let’s not forget the creamy dressing, subtle in its tanginess, pestering your taste buds in the most delightful way.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a Waldrof Salad, you’ll find some similarities here. Both salads enjoy the fine balance of sweet fruit against the savory elements. However, the addition of pasta and chicken transforms this salad into a hearty meal. It can easily sit proudly next to your barbecue spread or make for a refreshing lunch on a warm summer day.
Nutrition Packed Delight
Did I mention that this salad is not just a treat for your palate but also houses an abundance of nutrition? Chicken breast serves as a fantastic source of lean protein, while the mix of red and green grapes are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. On the other hand, the walnuts in the salad are packed with healthy fats and fiber. This combination ensures that this salad is as beneficial for your health as it is appetizing. You can explore more about the health benefits of chicken and grapes here.
To sum up, whether you’re planning a summertime picnic, a refreshing lunch, or just a wholesome meal that tastes as delightful as it looks – this Grape and Chicken Pasta Salad is your answer! Bursting with a fusion of flavors and packed with health benefits, it’s more than just a salad; it’s an experience of love, comfort, and joy straight from my Texas kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of rotini pasta
- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup of red grapes, halved
- 1 cup of green grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced celery
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup of mayo
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Start off by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain and set it aside to cool.
Step Two
While your pasta is cooking, you can begin preparing your other ingredients. Shred your cooked chicken breasts and halve your red and green grapes. Thinly slice the celery, then chop the red onion and walnuts
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, red onion, and walnuts. Stir everything together until combined.
Step Four
Now, let’s prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, honey, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step Five
Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step Six
For the final touch, garnish your salad with fresh parsley. Your Grape and Chicken Pasta Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
