Hearty Chicken Breast and Shrimp Pasta Salad with Fresh Fruits
A Delightful Weekend Brunch: Introducing a Chicken Breast Pasta Salad Recipe Featuring Shrimp and Seasonal Fruits
Hello everyone, this is Kim Mi. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! Today, I’m excited to share a special weekend dish: a vibrant pasta salad made with tender chicken breast, plump shrimp, and a medley of fresh fruits. It’s easy to feel like your diet goes out the window on weekends, but this recipe is designed to be both delicious and healthy, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying weekend meal that caters to your health goals!
Salad Ingredients- 20 pcs fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 100g Conchiglie or Bowtie Pasta
- 1 pack Chicken Breast (approx. 200g)
- Cherry tomatoes, to taste (halved)
- 1 Orange (peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 1 Cucumber (seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 Onion (finely chopped, after soaking in cold water)
- 7 pcs Black Olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1 handful fresh Parsley (chopped)
Tangerine Jam Vinaigrette Dressing- 1.5 Tbsp Tangerine Jam
- 1/4 Onion, finely minced
- 1 tsp Herb Salt
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (rice or apple cider)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Water (optional, for consistency adjustment)
- 1.5 Tbsp Tangerine Jam
- 1/4 Onion, finely minced
- 1 tsp Herb Salt
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar (rice or apple cider)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Water (optional, for consistency adjustment)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the delicious tangerine jam vinaigrette dressing for our salad. In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons of tangerine jam, 1/4 cup of finely minced onion, 1 teaspoon of herb salt, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You can also add 1 tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 2
Peel the cucumber and then slice it thinly, removing the seedy core. Aim for a shape similar to sharpening a pencil, creating elegant ribbons of cucumber. This method enhances its crisp texture and visual appeal.
Step 3
Lightly sprinkle the sliced cucumber with herb salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process draws out excess water, making the cucumber extra crisp and allowing it to absorb the seasoning beautifully.
Step 4
For an extra touch of brightness, add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the dressing. (This step can be skipped if you are using lemon juice instead of vinegar in the dressing base).
Step 5
Prepare half an onion by soaking it in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharp flavor. Drain thoroughly and then finely mince it. This will add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dressing.
Step 6
Add the salted and drained cucumber along with the minced onion to the bowl with the dressing ingredients. Mix everything together well. Feel free to add chopped herbs or a pinch of pepper for extra flavor.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the main ingredients for our salad.
Step 8
Let me show you how to properly peel and devein the 20 fresh shrimp.
Step 9
Start by carefully removing the heads from the shrimp. Be cautious when using any sharp tools.
Step 10
Using a spoon or tweezers, gently lift and peel away the shell from the middle of the shrimp’s back. Starting from the center makes it much easier.
Step 11
Next, peel the shell from the front section (near the head). Peeling the middle part first will make the rest come off effortlessly.
Step 12
Finally, remove the remaining shell segments near the tail. Your shrimp should now be completely peeled!
Step 13
Now, let’s remove the digestive tract (vein). Insert a skewer into the center of the shrimp’s back and gently pull out the dark vein. It should come out cleanly in one go.
Step 14
We’ll briefly poach the prepared shrimp in a ‘court bouillon’ – a flavorful broth made with ingredients like parsley, lemon, onion, and peppercorns. This method infuses the shrimp with delicate aromas.
Step 15
In a deep pot, add enough water to cover the shrimp and include your court bouillon ingredients: parsley stems, lemon slices, onion pieces, and whole peppercorns. Use a generous amount for maximum flavor.
Step 16
Bring the water to a rolling boil. You’ll know it’s ready when a wonderful aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 17
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared shrimp. Cook until they turn a vibrant pink color, then immediately remove them. Overcooking will make them tough. These poached shrimp are incredibly fragrant and delicious on their own!
Step 18
Now for the Conchiglie pasta! These shell-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for salads because they hold onto dressing beautifully and maintain a delightful al dente texture even after sitting. If you can’t find Conchiglie, any small, bite-sized pasta like fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta will work wonderfully.
Step 19
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but aim for 1-2 minutes longer than usual. This slightly softer texture is ideal for salads, ensuring it’s tender to bite into.
Step 20
Peel the orange completely and then cut it into bite-sized wedges or chunks, about 2 cm in size.
Step 21
Now, let’s combine the dressing with our salad components. Add the sliced cucumber, minced onion, orange chunks, cherry tomatoes, and black olives to the bowl with the tangerine jam vinaigrette. Gently toss everything together to coat.
Step 22
I’ve used rice vinegar here, but feel free to experiment with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that very strong vinegars might overpower the other ingredients.
Step 23
The natural juices from the vegetables and fruits will meld with the dressing, creating a beautifully moist and flavorful sauce all on its own.
Step 24
It’s time to assemble our salad! Combine the cooked Conchiglie pasta, shredded or chopped chicken breast, poached shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and the dressed vegetable and fruit mixture in a large serving bowl.
Step 25
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing. Ensure the chicken, vegetables, fruits, and pasta are harmoniously mixed.
Step 26
Finally, plate your beautiful creation and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. You’ve now made a sophisticated and healthy pasta salad featuring chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and delightful fruits. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a memorable weekend meal!
