This Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Made with tender chicken, tangy mandarins, crunchy vegetables, and al dente pasta, it is a refreshing and satisfying dish. The zesty dressing adds a burst of citrusy goodness, making this salad perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of this delightful Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mandarin oranges, celery, red and green bell peppers, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta to the bowl and toss again until all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Mandarin oranges are also known as tangerines, and they are a great source of vitamin C.
This salad can be customized by adding additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.
You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
The combination of tangy dressing and sweet mandarin oranges creates a perfect balance of flavors.