Best Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipes

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ORANGE CHICKEN SPINACH SALAD



Orange Chicken Spinach Salad image

For a salad with refreshing color and crunch, we toss chicken and spinach with mandarin oranges and red onion, then splash everything with a tangy vinaigrette. -Jean Murawski, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 8 cups)
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, vinegar, oil, Italian seasoning, garlic and salt until blended. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Top with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 85mg cholesterol, Sodium 199mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ALMOND-CRUSTED CHICKEN CUTLETS WITH WILTED SPINACH-ORANGE SALAD



Almond-Crusted Chicken Cutlets With Wilted Spinach-Orange Salad image

From Cook's Illustrated. "It should take about 10 seconds to process the almonds into fine crumbs-don't overprocess or the nuts will become oily. If you like, serve with couscous."

Provided by swissms

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 21m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 large eggs
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/4 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 1 orange)
2 medium oranges, peel and pith removed, quartered through the ends and sliced crosswise into 1/4 inch thick pieces
salt
ground black pepper
1 cup sliced almonds, processed into fine crumbs in the food processor
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets (5 to 6 ounces)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
5 ounces Baby Spinach (about 6 cups)
1 small shallot, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 orange, cut into 4 wedges for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Lightly beat the eggs, mustard, 1 teaspoon orange zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in a shallow dish. Mix the almonds and panko in a separate shallow dish. Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture using tongs, turning to coat well and allowing excess to drip off. Drop the chicken into the nut mixture and press the nuts into the chicken with your fingers. Transfer the breaded chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees.
  • Heat 6 tablespoons oil in a heavy-bottomed, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Place the chicken in the skillet gently and cook until golden brown and crisp on the first side, about 2½ minutes. Using tongs, flip the chicken; reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the meat feels firm when pressed gently, the second side is deep golden brown and crisp, and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and place the plate in the oven. Discard the oil in the skillet and, using tongs and paper towels, wipe the skillet clean.
  • Place the spinach in a large bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the cleaned skillet over high heat until just smoking. Add the orange slices and cook until lightly browned around the edges, 1½ to 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, shallot, remaining ¼ teaspoon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and allow residual heat to soften the shallot, 30 seconds. Pour the warm dressing with the oranges over the spinach and toss gently to wilt. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve it immediately with the salad and orange wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507, Fat 42.4, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 105.8, Sodium 176.6, Carbohydrate 24.3, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 8.4, Protein 11.6

ALMOND CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Almond Chicken Pasta Salad image

This was printed in BHG's Prize Tested Recipes, May, 1994. It certainly has been a winner with my family and friends...kudo's to Judy Acheson who created it and won $100 bucks! I am posting it here for fear of losing the cut out magazine page. This is such a refreshing meal in the summer time served with some good bread and a green salad. The recipe makes 10 main dish servings. I have made the recipe X5 for events and it always gets compliments. The only changes I make from what is printed here is I double the amount of grapes and celery. Prep time includes cooking, cooling and dicing the chicken and chopping all of the other ingredients while chicken is cooking. Cooking time is chilling time in fridge. Hope you enjoy!

Provided by Caretta

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 4h

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

4 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
2 apples, cored and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
8 ounces rotini pasta or 8 ounces bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
1 (8 1/2 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
1/3 cup celery, bias cut
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon lime peel, finely shredded or zested
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons fresh gingerroot, grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
lime slice (optional)
lettuce leaf (optional)
avocado, slices (optional)
sweet red pepper, diced (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, apples, cooked pasta, pinneapple, grapes, celery and onion.
  • For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, sesame seeds, lime peel, lime juice, honey, gingerroot, and salt.
  • Pour over the pasta mixture; toss gently to combine.
  • Cover and chill.
  • To serve, if necessary, add several tablespoons of milk to moisten. Toss gently.
  • Serve on lettuce lined plates. Top with almonds. If desired, garnish with lime slices, avocado, and red sweet pepper.

CHICKEN AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad image

My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. -Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces uncooked whole wheat rotini
1/2 cup hummus
3 tablespoons Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water., Combine hummus, salad dressing, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta; toss to coat. Stir in spinach, chicken, tomatoes and olives. Sprinkle with feta. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges

ALMOND-APRICOT CHICKEN SALAD



Almond-Apricot Chicken Salad image

Here's a one-of-a-kind pasta salad that combines tender chicken, sweet apricots and crunchy vegetables. Plus, the lemony dressing can't be beat. -Susan Voigt, Plymouth, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (8 ounces) spiral pasta
1 package (6 ounces) dried apricots, thinly sliced
3 cups coarsely chopped fresh broccoli
2-1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon dried savory
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, adding apricots during the last 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water; place in a large bowl. Add broccoli, chicken, onions and celery. , In a small bowl, combine the next eight ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving; fold in almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 24g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 52mg cholesterol, Sodium 524mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

Almond citrus chicken pasta spinach salad recipe is a healthy and flavorful combination of ingredients that are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. This dish combines the delicious flavors of citrus with crunchy almonds, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed spinach. It is an easy recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch with friends.

Ingredients

For the chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta:
  • 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
For the spinach salad:
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, orange zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat with the marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the oil and seasonings. Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta and toss again. Set aside.
3. Cook the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into small pieces.
4. Assemble the salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves, almonds, red onion, and feta cheese. Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces to the salad bowl and toss gently to combine.

Conclusion

Almond citrus chicken pasta spinach salad recipe is a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of citrusy flavors, tender chicken, pasta, spinach, and crunchy almonds, it is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger. Plus, it is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different types of pasta and vegetables. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and savor the flavors of a delicious and healthy meal!
Preparing a healthy and delicious meal can be challenging, especially when you have a busy schedule. However, with the right recipe and guidance, anyone can create tasty and nutritious meals with ease. One delicious meal idea that is both healthy and easy to make is the Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe. It is a mouth-watering dish that combines well-seasoned chicken, nutritious spinach, and flavorful citrus fruits. However, to achieve perfection, it is important to follow some essential tips that will make your recipe stand out. Here are some valuable tips that will make your Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe a hit.

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients you use in preparing your recipe will determine how delicious and nutritious your dish turns out. Hence, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken, pasta, and spinach. When buying your chicken, look for organic, free-range chicken, as it is healthier, tastier, and has a better texture than conventional chicken. For the pasta, opt for whole-grain pasta, as it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined pasta. Finally, choose fresh spinach leaves that are free from wilt, spots, and discoloration.

2. Cook the Chicken Thoroughly

Before adding the chicken to your pasta salad, ensure that it is cooked thoroughly. Chickens can be a source of harmful bacteria like salmonella, which can cause food poisoning when consumed. To prevent this, cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it is adequately cooked. Additionally, it is essential to avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

3. Season Liberally

The key to making delicious food is using the right amount of seasonings. When preparing your Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe, it is essential to use a variety of herbs, spices, and oils to bring out different flavors. Some popular seasonings that can be used in this recipe include salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and vinegar. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme to add aroma and flavor to your dish.

4. Use Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are an excellent addition to any salad recipe, including the Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons add a refreshing tanginess and lower the carb count of the dish, making it a healthier option. Citrus fruits are also rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are essential for good health.

5. Get Creative

The Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe is flexible, and you can get creative by using different ingredients or modifying the existing recipe. For instance, you can replace the chicken with turkey or tofu, use different types of nuts like cashews or peanuts, or add other vegetables like avocado or cherry tomatoes. By experimenting with different ingredients, you can create a unique, healthy, and delicious meal that will satisfy your taste buds.

6. Balance Your Macros

A balanced meal should contain the right proportion of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat. When making the Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe, it is essential to ensure that these macronutrients are well balanced. For example, you can add more protein by increasing the amount of chicken or adding tofu or beans to the salad. You can also increase carbohydrates by using more pasta, sweet potatoes, or corn. Finally, you can increase fat by using nuts, seeds, or avocado.

Conclusion

Preparing the Almond Citrus Chicken Pasta Spinach Salad Recipe requires some critical steps that must be followed to achieve perfection. These tips will help you make this recipe a success, and you can tweak it as you like to create an even more delicious and satisfying meal. By following these tips and incorporating fresher and healthier ingredients into your recipes, you can create a balanced and delicious meal perfect for any time of day.

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