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Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
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Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad combines tender grilled chicken, soft cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, all tossed in a bright and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty yet fresh salad offers a perfect balance of comforting warmth and vibrant flavors, ideal for quick weeknight meals or satisfying lunches.

Ingredients

Salad

  • Fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini – 9 ounces
  • Boneless chicken breast – 2 pieces (about 12 ounces total)
  • Baby spinach – 3 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced – 1/4 cup
  • Fresh basil, torn or chopped – 1/4 cup

Dressing

  • Balsamic vinegar – 3 tablespoons
  • Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic, minced – 1 clove
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or frozen tortellini. Drain, reserving a little pasta water if needed to loosen the dressing, and set the tortellini aside while warm.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to retain juices and flavor.
  3. Make the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning to achieve a tangy yet balanced dressing.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm tortellini, sliced chicken, baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle torn fresh basil over the salad to brighten the flavors and add an herbal fragrance. Serve immediately while the salad is warm to enjoy the full blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

  • Use warm tortellini when tossing the salad to help the dressing absorb better and keep the chicken tender.
  • Allow the cooked chicken to rest before slicing to retain its juices and enhance flavor.
  • Always taste the balsamic dressing before adding it to make sure it is tangy but not overpowering.
  • Prep vegetables like cherry tomatoes and red onion in advance to speed up salad assembly.
  • Add fresh basil last to maintain its vibrant flavor and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken salad, tortellini salad, warm chicken salad, quick weeknight meal, Italian salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/warm-balsamic-chicken-tortellini-salad/