Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing

Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for a refreshing lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken adds a rich, smoky flavor, complemented by crispy bacon and fresh spinach. Juicy apricots or peaches bring a splash of sweetness, balanced by the creamy feta cheese. The entire salad is brought together with a zesty honey Dijon mustard lemon dressing that adds a punch of flavor to every bite. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with various nutrients, making it a wholesome option for any meal. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it's an excellent choice for family gatherings, picnics, or solo meals.

Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing Ingredients

▪️ 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or your choice)
▪️ 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced
▪️ 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
▪️ 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
▪️ 4 apricots (or peaches/nectarines), sliced
▪️ ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
▪️ 3 tablespoons honey
▪️ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
▪️ 1 lemon, juiced
▪️ ¼ cup olive oil
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, spinach leaves, and sliced apricots.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently mix.

Step 6: Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld together.

Overview of Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing

Category	Details
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	20 minutes
Servings	4
Nutritional Information	Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Fats: 15g
Energy	1200 kJ (286 cal)
Main Ingredients	Chicken breast, pasta, bacon, spinach, apricots, feta cheese
Sauce Ingredients	Honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil
Cooking Method	Boiling, grilling, and mixing
Meal Categories	Lunch, Dinner, Comfort Food, Family Meals
Key Flavors	Savory, sweet, tangy
Texture	Crunchy, creamy, chunky
Dietary Information	Gluten can be avoided by using gluten-free pasta
Allergen Information	Contains dairy (feta cheese), may contain gluten (depending on pasta type)
Storage Tips	Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Serving Suggestions	Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra feta or fresh herbs

Fun Facts about Chicken Pasta Salad with Apricots, Spinach, Bacon, Feta, and Honey Dijon Mustard Lemon Dressing

▪️ Apricots and peaches are often interchangeable in recipes, providing similar sweetness and texture.
▪️ Spinach is rich in iron and adds a healthy green element to this dish.
▪️ This salad can be a great way to use up leftover chicken from a previous meal.