The hot days of summer call for light eating, such as this delicious main course salad that combines Ontario Strawberries, grilled chicken and whole grain pasta.

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Serves: 4-6

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Ingredients

Dijon Honey Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) each white wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, put through garlic press or minced
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) Ontario Honey
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper

Salad:

  • 3 boneless skinless Ontario Chicken Breasts
  • 3 cups (750 mL) whole wheat rotini pasta
  • 2 cups (500 mL) sliced Ontario Strawberries
  • 2 Ontario Green Onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 large Ontario Greenhouse Orange or Yellow Sweet Pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped fresh Ontario Basil
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) Ontario Chèvre Cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Dijon Honey Dressing: In bowl, whisk together wine vinegar, oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, honey, salt and pepper.  (Make-ahead: can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.)

Salad: Remove 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the dressing and brush both sides of chicken.  Place on greased grill over medium-high heat; close lid and grill, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink inside, 10 to 12 minutes.  Transfer to cutting board and let stand for 5 minutes.  Slice diagonally into thin strips.  (Make-ahead: can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, about 13 minutes.  Drain and refresh under cold water.  In serving bowl, combine pasta, strawberries, green onions, sweet pepper, basil and chicken; toss with remaining dressing.  Sprinkle with cheese; toss again.  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Tip: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of cooked chicken.  Boneless chicken breasts should reach 170°F (77°C).

Nutritional information

1 Serving (when recipe serves 6):

  • Protein: 28 grams
  • Fat: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Calories: 390
  • Fibre: 3 grams
  • Sodium: 330 mg