Lena Abraham is a freelance contributor with Delish, and was formerly Senior Food Editor, where she developed and styled recipes for video and photo, and also stayed on top of current food trends. She’s been working in the food industry for over 10 years, and will argue that the best fish tacos in the world are made in New York. Don’t @ her.
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This super savory pasta salad is a hit at barbecues and potlucks, and hearty enough to qualify as a meal. (In fact, it's kind of meal prep gold!) Swapping in a tangy mustard vinaigrette for the usual mayo-based dressing lightens things up a bit, and a healthy serving of seared chicken and crispy bacon make it satisfying enough to be a meal all on its own.
There's nothing worse than a pasta salad with mushy noodles. Learn how to cook pasta (it's trickier than you think!) and get your fusilli perfectly al dente.
Made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
- Yields:
- 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 456
Ingredients
For salad
- 1 lb.
fusilli pasta
- 2
boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tsp.
garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
- 4
slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 c.
halved grape tomatoes
- 2 c.
spinach, packed
- 1/2 c.
crumbled feta
- 1/4
red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp.
freshly chopped dill
For dressing
- 1/4 c.
extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp.
red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp.
Italian seasoning
- 1
clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp.
dijon mustard
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 8)
- Calories456 Fat19 gSaturated fat5 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol59 mgSodium475 mgCarbohydrates43 gFiber3 gSugar3 gProtein24 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium83 mgIron2 mgPotassium515 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fusilli according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to large bowl.
- Step 2Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then cut into 1" pieces.
- Step 3Meanwhile, make dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4In the large bowl with the pasta, toss together all remaining ingredients. Pour dressing over salad, toss until coated, and serve.