Orange Chicken Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring tender chicken, mandarin oranges, and a zesty orange dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. Miracle Whip or Miracle Whip light dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 c. orange juice
- 2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 lb.), cooked and cubed
- 2 c. rotini, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange segments, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix Miracle Whip, orange juice, dried basil leaves, and ground ginger in a large bowl.
- Add cooked and cubed chicken, cooked and drained rotini, drained mandarin orange segments, and chopped pecans to the dressing.
- Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of Miracle Whip. You can also substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. This salad is versatile and can be customized with other ingredients like bell peppers or carrots for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Chicken Pasta Salad makes a refreshing main dish for lunch or a light dinner. It pairs beautifully with sides like a simple green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Judy'S Hearty Potato Soup for a comforting and satisfying experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken pasta salad in the microwave, but be careful not to heat it too long, as the textures can change. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken Pasta Salad contains roughly 267 calories, with 7g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. However, it's best to add the pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both options will add protein and texture while allowing the orange flavor to shine through. You can also use grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or even whole grain options for added nutrition. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
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).