Linguini Salad With Chicken And Dill
A fresh, vibrant linguini salad with tender chicken, peas, and dill, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook linguini according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Cube cooked chicken.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked linguini, chicken, peas, and dill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill to serve later.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If fresh dill isn't available, dried dill works well as a substitute, though reduce the amount to 1 tsp. For a heartier version, add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover chicken from dishes like Chicken Napoli.
Serving Suggestions
This Linguini Salad pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or a light tomato soup for a complete meal. It is perfect for picnics or potlucks as it holds up well at room temperature. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out your meal. For a twist, try adding some crumbled feta cheese or olives.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent dryness. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing meal. This salad can also be prepared a day in advance for a quick option during busy weekdays.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguini Salad With Chicken And Dill contains roughly 105 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute linguini with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. Each type will give a unique texture to the salad while still complementing the chicken and dill flavors.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the pasta's texture. It's a great option for lunches throughout the week.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like roasted zucchini or artichokes. You might also want to increase the amount of peas or add chickpeas for protein. This way, you maintain a hearty and satisfying dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).