Introduction
Summer is the season when the kitchen bursts with color, fresh vegetables, and the aromas of grilling. As temperatures rise, we all look for easy, light, and nutritious meals that refresh without sacrificing flavor. This pasta salad with grilled chicken, corn, and vegetables is precisely that: a complete meal with high nutritional value, a delightful texture, and full of flavor.
It combines protein from the chicken, energy from the pasta, and freshness from the vegetables, while the homemade basil, olive oil, and lemon dressing adds coolness and aroma. It's an ideal choice for family meals, work lunches, or country house gatherings, and perfect for sharing at a summer get-together with friends.
Ingredients
For the Salad
250 grams pasta (any shape you prefer)
2 chicken breast fillets (preferably organic)
2 fresh ears of corn
2 colorful bell peppers (one red and one yellow)
1 medium onion (red or white)
2 tablespoons avocado oil or other light oil
1 tablespoon clarified butter (or ghee/pure butter)
Flaked sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small handful fresh spinach
3 tablespoons finely grated hard cheese (such as Parmesan or Kefalotyri)
For the Basil Dressing
2 tablespoons basil sauce (pesto)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1 lemon
A pinch of flaked sea salt
A pinch of freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Light your grill to high heat and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken fillets in half horizontally to ensure faster and more even cooking. Place them in a shallow bowl and brush them with one tablespoon of avocado oil, a little flaked sea salt, and black pepper. If desired, you can add a spoonful of homemade marinade or a little mustard.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Remove the husks and silks from the corn. Brush them with a little oil and sprinkle with salt. Cut the bell peppers into wide strips and the onion into rings. Lightly oil them and add a little salt.
Step 4: Grill
Place the chicken, corn, and other vegetables on the grill.
Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through.
Turn the corn every few minutes to get a nice char on all sides.
The vegetables need less time, about 5-6 minutes total, and it's good to flip them once halfway through.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the ingredients are grilling, boil the pasta until "al dente." Drain it, rinse with a little cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk with a whisk or fork:
The basil sauce
The olive oil
The lemon juice
A little salt and pepper
Mix well until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
Step 7: Assemble the Salad
Once everything is ready:
Brush the grilled corn with a little butter while it's still warm, then carefully cut the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the vegetables into smaller pieces.
In a large salad bowl, combine the pasta, spinach, vegetables, chicken, and corn.
Pour the basil dressing over everything and toss gently.
Sprinkle with the cheese and a few flakes of sea salt.
Tips and Variations
If you don't have a grill, you can cook the ingredients in a grill pan or in the oven.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi or mushrooms.
For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of balsamic vinegar or fresh thyme.
You can also use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber.
Storage and Serving
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. It's excellent the next day, as the ingredients have had time to absorb the flavors from the dressing. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.
This summer pasta salad with grilled chicken, corn, and basil dressing is a dish that can satisfy even the most discerning palates. It combines the simplicity of Greek cuisine with the nutritiousness and freshness of seasonal produce. It's ideal for any time of day and any occasion, from a daily meal to a gathering with friends.
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