Are you looking for a fresh and delicious side dish to bring to your next picnic or potluck? Look no further than this apple pasta salad! It’s easy to make, flavorful, and will surely be a hit with everyone. Read on to learn how to make this tasty recipe!
Ingredients
You’ll need 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni, 1 cup of chopped cooked rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, bow-tie pasta, apples, dried cranberries, red onions, and toasted cashews for this delicious Apple Pasta Salad. You’ll also need the following ingredients for the salad dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Finally, to give the salad a bit of color and round out the flavor nicely, you can add some yellow mustard. Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start prepping!
Cook the Pasta
To create the perfect pasta salad, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. For a more interesting texture, you can also use 250 g (8 oz) conchiglie (shell-shaped pasta).
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. To prevent sticking, lightly toss the pasta with oil before transferring it to a large bowl.
Prepare the Veggies
Once the pasta is cooked, you can start prepping the veggies. To add a nice crunch, chop up some tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and celery. To add some sweetness to the salad, remember to add dried cranberries and fresh oranges.
The freshness of the oranges will brighten up the dish! Finally, top it off with some chopped apples for some tartness. With all these vibrant colors, this salad will look as good as it tastes! Now that your veggies are prepped, you can make the dressing.
Make the Dressing
Now it’s time to make the dressing for your Apple Pasta Salad. You’ll need olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until the dressing is well combined. Once the sauce is finished, pour it into the bowl with the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Now your Apple Pasta Salad is ready to be served!
Chop the Rotisserie Chicken
For this delicious apple pasta salad, you’ll need to start by chopping up one cup of cooked rotisserie chicken. Make sure it’s cut into small pieces the same size as the Celery and onion. The rotisserie chicken adds a great flavor and texture to the salad, so take advantage of this part! Once you’ve got your chicken chopped up, mix it with the mayonnaise and sour cream to make the dressing.
Then, you can add dried cranberries and diced apples for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the rotisserie chicken. Finally, throw in the Celery and oranges – you’re ready to combine all your ingredients and enjoy this delicious apple pasta salad!
Toss in Dried Cranberries
Once you’ve cooked the pasta and prepped the veggies, it’s time to mix in the dried cranberries. Adding this flavor-packed ingredient is a great way to give your Apple Pasta Salad a little extra sweetness. The cranberries will add a lovely tart and tangy flavor to the dish that pairs nicely with the apples and oranges.
Plus, they look beautiful! Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the salad so that each bite is packed with flavor.
Add Chopped Apple
Now, it’s time to add in the chopped apple! This sweet and crunchy ingredient adds flavor to the salad and adds vitamins and minerals. Chop the apple into small cubes and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients. Be sure to mix everything well so that each bite is flavorful.
Mix in Celery
Mix in Celery for that crunchy, delicious flavor. Start by finely chopping up a few stalks of Celery and adding them to the bowl with the other veggies. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your pasta salad!
If you want to take it up a notch, you can also add celery seed – a secret ingredient passed down in my family’s recipe that adds fantastic flavor. The perfect final touch will bring your Apple Pasta Salad together.
Add Oranges
Adding oranges to your Apple Pasta Salad is the perfect way to add flavor. After you’ve cooked the pasta, prepared the veggies, made the dressing, and chopped the rotisserie chicken, it’s time to add some dried cranberries and apples to create a sweet and savory flavor.
Once those two ingredients have been added, it’s time to mix in some celery for added crunch. But remember the oranges! This juicy fruit will bring an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the pomegranate. Slice some oranges into thin slices and mix them with all the other ingredients for a delicious Apple Pasta Salad.
Combine All Ingredients
Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, it’s time to combine them! Start by adding the cooked pasta, the chopped rotisserie chicken, the diced veggies, the dried cranberries, the chopped apple, celery, and oranges to a large bowl.
Pour in the delicious dressing you prepared earlier and mix everything until it is evenly coated. If you want to add flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning. You can also adjust the amount of dressing to your preference. Now that everything is combined, your Apple Pasta Salad is ready to be served. Enjoy!
FAQ for Apple Pasta Salad
What ingredients are in Apple Pasta Salad?
The ingredients in Apple Pasta Salad typically include cooked pasta (such as fusilli or rotini), chopped apples, celery, red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Some variations may also include chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
How do you make Apple Pasta Salad?
To make Apple Pasta Salad, cook the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, chop the apples, celery, and red onion. Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Then, mix the pasta with the chopped apples, celery, and red onion, and toss everything with the dressing until well-coated. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is Apple Pasta Salad healthy?
Apple Pasta Salad can be a healthy option if made with whole-grain pasta and a light dressing made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It’s also a great way to get in some fruit and veggies. However, some recipes may include high-fat ingredients like bacon or cheese, so checking the nutritional information and ingredients before making or consuming is important.
Can you make Apple Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Apple Pasta Salad ahead of time. Chilling the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving is recommended to allow the flavours to meld together. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I serve with Apple Pasta Salad?
Apple Pasta Salad is a versatile dish served as a side dish or a light meal. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also serve it with a green salad or soup for a more substantial meal.
Final Verdict
All in all, this Apple Pasta Salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Combining sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, tart cranberries, and creamy feta cheese is flavorful and satisfying. Adding fresh herbs and a simple dressing make it a great side dish. This Apple Pasta Salad is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a tasty and seasonal dish.