And Arugula, Tomato and Zucchini
The clearing of backlogged posts continues for me. It will occupy most of February. The funny thing is, I continue cooking and baking (we have to eat everyday, hey!) and so my list is growing longer and longer. Maybe one of these fine days, I shall go on a posting retreat in some remote island somewhere. If you know of a remote island, please give me a shout.
We ate a lot of salad during summer-fall and one of my favourites was chicken salad with pasta, peppered with peppery baby arugula and cherry tomatoes. I love this salad because it can be consumed cold or warm depending on the weather. The dressing is really simple, just a mixture of balsamic vinegar and some extra virgin olive oil. We all enjoyed eating it and I hope it will be appealing to you too.
- Ingredients
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 300g pasta (I used farfalle)
- 4 medium zucchini (courgettes) about 400g, sliced into circles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 100g baby arugula (rocket, rucola) 2 cups packed
- 150g cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 500g (1Ib) skinless chicken breast fillets, sliced into thin strips
- Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Please, always remember to to assemble all the ingredients before you start
Combine rosemary, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil, pour half over zucchini and mix thoroughly, Set aside for 30 minutes.
pour the rest over the chicken and mix thoroughly. Set aside for 30 minutes.Cook pasta in plenty of salted water, according to packet instructions, until al dente. If you want to serve a cold salad, then drain, the pasta, rinse under cold running water and leave to cool. If you want to serve it warm then drain, set aside and keep warm.
Heat a non-stick skillet (pan) over medium heat,
and cook zucchini slices until golden brown. .
Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper. For the balsamic vinegar dressing mix balsamic vinegar and olive oil and shake thoroughly. If you prefer more dressing, double the amount
Heat oil in a non-stick pan or wok over high heat and stir-fry the chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta, zucchini, arugula (rocket) and tomatoes, and toss gently to combine.
Serve pasta in four serving bowls and top with chicken. Drizzle with dressing.
Warm Pasta Salad with Chicken
Preparation time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 30 minutes; Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 300g pasta (I used farfalle)
- 4 medium zucchini (courgettes) about 400g, sliced into circles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 100g baby arugula (rocket, rucola) 2 cups packed
- 150g cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 500g (1Ib) skinless chicken breast fillets, sliced into thin strips
Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
- Combine rosemary, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil, pour half over zucchini and mix thoroughly, pour the rest over the chicken and mix thoroughly. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta in plenty of salted water, according to packet instructions, until al dente. If you want to serve a cold salad, then drain, the pasta, rinse under cold running water and leave to cool. If you want to serve it warm then drain, set aside and keep warm.
- Heat a non-stick skillet (pan) over medium heat, and cook zucchini slices until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- For the balsamic vinegar dressing mix balsamic vinegar and olive oil and shake thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer more dressing, double the amount.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan or wok over high heat and stir-fry the chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta, zucchini, arugula (rocket) and tomatoes and toss gently to combine. Stir dressing into salad.
- Serve pasta in four serving bowls and top with chicken. Drizzle with dressing.
myfavouritepastime.com
My Favourite Pastime 
Oh, that look fabulous Liz! So fresh and yummy!
Thank you!
Liz
Love the photo, does the salad complete justice, as it’s making me look forward to making it!
Hi Naomi,
This salad is really good. No kidding. Enjoy your weekend!
Liz
What a beautiful looking pasta dish! It would be wonderful to serve it for brunch with a group of friends! 😀
Hari, this salad tasted really good. I’m planning to make it again, over the weekend. I loved it!!!
Liz
Wow…yummy! Is there a chance you would invite me over for lunch one day? Lol
Hi Josephina,
Yes of course I can invite you for lunch anytime anyday!!! Omg I’ve just realized you’re Ghanaian. I always thought you were Nigerian. I’ve been to Accra, Gold Coast and Kumasi. Great country with great and friendly people. Have a wonderful weekend!
Liz
Thanks, you too Liz!
thank you!
This sounds like quite a versatile salad, particularly for summer. I like it. Have a great day.
Hi Lignum,
I just spied the ‘romantic moon” on your blog. One day, I must visit Australia. Thanks and have a great day too! I bet you are in the third phase of sleep by now.
Liz
LOL, quite likely I was. 🙂
I checked the time and thought omg he’s snoozing. LOL have a good weekend, ahead!
I just adore pasta salad! It is a truly strong relationship this that we have… Warm even better and your zucchini in it just made my day. Another great recipe, Liz, as usual 🙂
xx
Hi Rosa,
Me too. I adore pasta salads because they can be eaten as a meal. I have just seen some really nice cookies on your blog. I love your blog, I wish you the best of best!
Liz
Oh, thanks, Liz, you’re so sweet… I really appreciate your warm remarks towards my work 🙂
All the best!
xx
I truly love your blog. It comes from the bottom of my heart. Best wishes and take good care of yourself!
Liz
Great salad Liz! I love this combination of products! I’ll make it home soon, thanks for the recipe!!!
Hi Maggie,
Thanks. I enjoyed the salad. Have a great day!
Liz
Thanks Liz 🙂
Looks fantastic!
Hi Michele
And tastes fantastic too. Pleasant day to you!
Liz
So yummy! Your photos are awesome!
Thank you, Chef!
Liz
I love the addition of the golden brown zucchini to the salad…. good one. Will try it out! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi,
The salad was delicious. I enjoyed eating it. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the week!
Liz
You too enjoy your weekend 🙂
Thank you!
All of my favorite veggies and a lovely balsamic. Delicious! Let the blogging season commence for you; it is looking delicious. Best, Shanna
Hi Shanna,
Thanks. I enjoyed the salad. I’m starting to settle back into blogging after my long break. Do I feel that you’re feeling rather low today? Hope everything is okay for you. You haven’t been posting as usual. I miss your bubbly comments. Take care! Best…Liz
Hi, Liz! I am so happy that you are back in the blogging world! We missed you. 🙂 I have been blogging about once a week, as time allows – and of course trying to keep up with all of the blogs that I love, such as yours! Best wishes, Shanna
Hi Shanna,
I’m sorry I took long to respond. Life does get so busy sometimes, I just can’t cope. I missed you too, and your blog of course. I am trying to post everyday to clear my backlog but sometimes, it just doesn’t work! Thank you for loving my blog. I love yours too and I know there is a list of recipes I still need to make. Take care, Best wishes to SM and LG. Have a lovely week! Best…Liz
All my favorites . . . licking screen seems like a good option right now! ;->
Hi Dorrie Anne,
Go ahead and lick the screen I’ve just been licking my screen after seeing a delicious bread on your blog. It looked so fresh….Best wishes!
Liz
This salad looks exactly what I have been craving lately–some carb, lots of veggie, and protein! Beautiful salad, Liz!
Hi Ngan,
Thanks. It’s a very delicious Salad and filling too!
Liz
This looks yummy. I will have to try this soon.
Hi Christy,
Hope you’ll like it. Have a great evening!
Liz
Perfect anytime food!
Thank you!
Liz
This is my kind of meal! It’s a wonderful combination of ingredients, and I’m certain that the balsamic gives it that perfect finishing touch! Yum.. 🙂
Hi Prudy,
Me too. It sure is a wonderful combination of ingredients and so is the Caprese salad I’ve just seen. Excellent Salad!!!
Liz
Gorgeous salad .. Will be in the list Liz …Thank you 🙂
Hi Amal,
Thank you. I love your videos…I wish I had the same talent! Have a lovely day!
Liz
I just adore arugula with tomatoes. I am really missing my garden now! We just ordered all our seeds so the planning for next season has already begun.
Hi Mama D,
I hope one day I shall have a garden like you. I love gardens and fresh herbs. I have just seen your Creamy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup and fallen in love with it. I shall make it for dinner on Saturday. I can’t wait to devour. Thanks for sharing! Have a fantastic evening!
Liz