Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots is not just another recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the tender succulence of chicken, the sweet surprise of dried apricots, and a creamy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for summer picnics, quick weeknight dinners, or impressing your friends at potlucks, this dish is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. If you haven't already, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken and chopped dried apricots. Make sure the apricots are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
- Add the diced celery to the bowl with the chicken and apricots. The celery will add a nice crunch to the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until well combined. This will be your dressing for the salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken, apricots, and celery. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and gently fold it in until everything is well combined. Be careful not to break the pasta.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the salad for added texture and flavor. You can also mix them in if you prefer.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, give the salad a final stir and serve it in bowls or on a platter. Enjoy your Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots as a refreshing meal or side dish!
Tips
- Make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with herbs before dicing.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and become even more delicious.
- Feel free to customize! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add other dried fruits like cranberries for a different twist.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra lemon juice or salt can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
