Longing for a taste of California sunshine while stuck at home? Look no further than the legendary California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe!
This vibrant dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring succulent chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together.
That’s why I’m totally hooked on this simple copycat recipe. It allows you to recreate the magic of California Chicken Cafe right in your own kitchen, and all in less than 30 minutes!
This recipe is a real lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. It’s also ideal for potlucks or a light and refreshing lunch option.
Moreover, it’s incredibly adaptable, so you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. I’ve got you covered with handy tips and variations.
So, forget about the takeout menu and get ready to master the art of pasta salad! Let’s satisfy that craving for California Chicken Cafe and whip up a delectable, fulfilling meal right at home.
How to Prepare California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Californian
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Let’s Get Cooking Instructions:
1. Cook the Perfect Pasta:
● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente.
● This means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
● This prevents the salad from becoming mushy in the final dish.
2. Whip Up the Creamy Dressing:
● Now, grab your whisk and a separate bowl. It’s time to create the magic of the dressing!
● Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
● Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy.
● Trust me, this dressing is the heart and soul of the salad, so take your time and get the flavors just right.
3. Assemble Your California Dream Bowl:
● Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, feta cheese, and fresh cilantro.
● Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything gets evenly coated.
Special Note:
For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Nutrition Facts California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Do I Need To Heat Up Pasta Salad?
It’s not necessary to heat up pasta salad before serving. In fact, pasta salad is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Heating it up could cause the vegetables to become mushy and the dressing to separate. Plus, part of the appeal of pasta salad is its refreshing and crisp texture, which is best preserved when served chilled.
So feel free to enjoy your pasta salad straight from the fridge or at room temperature for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Can I Put Warm Pasta Salad In The Fridge?
It’s generally not recommended to put warm pasta salad directly into the fridge. Placing warm food in the refrigerator can raise the temperature inside, potentially leading to bacterial growth and food safety concerns.
Instead, allow the pasta salad to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the pasta salad out in a shallow dish or container.
Unique Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Of course! This recipe is highly customizable. Try using grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas as a tasty alternative to chicken.
How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli works well in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you like. Rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti would all be delicious choices.
Is it okay to double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, feel free to double or even triple the recipe to accommodate a larger group. Just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger mixing bowl for tossing.
Conclusion
The allure of the California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its sheer simplicity. Its creamy, tangy dressing, bursting with flavor, harmonizes perfectly with the succulent chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta.
But this dish is more than just a culinary indulgence; it’s a nourishing delight too. The lean protein from the chicken pairs seamlessly with the healthy fats found in the olive oil and feta cheese.
Moreover, the vibrant array of vegetables contributes a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, transforming this salad into a wholesome and gratifying meal.
So, bid farewell to those takeout menus and awaken your inner California Chicken Cafe chef. Dive into this recipe, relish its delectable flavors, and marvel at why you ever settled for anything less.
Happy Cooking!
California Chicken Cafe Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot,
- Colander
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Perfect Pasta:
- ● Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente.
- ● This means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- ● This prevents the salad from becoming mushy in the final dish.
Whip Up the Creamy Dressing:
- ● Now, grab your whisk and a separate bowl. It’s time to create the magic of the dressing!
- ● Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- ● Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy.
- ● Trust me, this dressing is the heart and soul of the salad, so take your time and get the flavors just right.
Assemble Your California Dream Bowl:
- ● Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, feta cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- ● Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything gets evenly coated.
Notes
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