Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in one incredible bite. This Chicken Pasta Salad with Spinach and Peaches is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a light dinner that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Shred the 2 cups of cooked chicken if not already done. Wash and dry the 2 cups of fresh spinach. Dice the 2 ripe peaches and the 1/4 cup of red bell pepper. Chop the 1/4 cup of walnuts into smaller pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, fresh spinach, diced peaches, diced red bell pepper, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the chicken pasta salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your Chicken Pasta Salad with Spinach and Peaches as a refreshing meal or side dish!
Tips
- Use cold or room temperature pasta to prevent the salad from becoming mushy. Rinsing with cold water helps stop the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully integrate with the ingredients.
- Choose ripe but firm peaches to ensure the best texture and sweetness in your salad.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, prepare the components separately and mix just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and fresh.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans if desired, and experiment with different protein options like grilled shrimp or tofu.
- For a lighter dressing, you can replace some olive oil with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
