Description
A refreshing, protein-packed chicken pasta salad with al dente fusilli, grilled chicken, and a tangy olive oil-vinegar dressing. Features plant-based coconut bacon and vegan feta for a halal-friendly version of this Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients
Fusilli pasta 1 lb.
Chicken breasts 2 boneless skinless (16–18 oz)
Garlic powder 1 tsp.
Kosher salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Olive oil 1 Tbsp. + ¼ cup for dressing
Coconut bacon 4 crispy strips, crumbled (or roasted chickpeas/sunflower seeds)
Grape tomatoes 2 cups halved
Spinach 2 cups packed
Vegan feta ½ cup crumbled
Red onion ¼ cup thinly sliced
Dill 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped
Apple cider vinegar 3 Tbsp.
Italian seasoning ½ tsp.
Garlic 1 clove minced
Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp.
Instructions
Bring 3-4 qt water to rolling boil in large pot
Add 1½ tbsp salt for proper seasoning
Add fusilli pasta, cooking 1-2 minutes less than package instructions
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
In pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat
Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Sauté chicken until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side
In bowl, whisk ¼ cup olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt/pepper to taste
Chop cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces
Combine cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, spinach, red onion, dill, and vegan feta in large bowl
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat
Top with coconut bacon/sunflower seeds and refrigerate 20 minutes before serving
Notes
Use whole-grain fusilli for added fiber
Fresh garlic paste improves dressing flavor
Arugula or spring mix work instead of spinach
Replace vegan feta with nutritional yeast for vegan option
Cherry tomatoes or diced cucumber are valid swaps
Scallions mellow red onion intensity
Parsley or basil can replace dill
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stir-frying & Plating
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg