Spicy Greek Chicken & Mango Pasta Salad 🥭🌶️🍝✨
Ingredients:
• For the Spicy Greek Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta Salad:
• 8 oz cavatappi pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup crispy shallots (store-bought or homemade)
• For the Sweet and Spicy Yogurt-Honey Drizzle:
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spicy Greek Chicken:
• In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
• Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Make the Sweet and Spicy Yogurt-Honey Drizzle:
• In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, chili flakes, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes if desired.
4. Assemble the Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced mango, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh mint. Toss gently to combine.
• Add the grilled chicken bites on top, followed by crumbled feta cheese.
• Drizzle with the sweet and spicy yogurt-honey drizzle and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve:
• Top with crispy shallots for a crunch and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled version.
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 450-550 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Spicy Greek Chicken & Mango Pasta Salad is a perfect fusion of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors, making it a satisfying and refreshing meal for any occasion! 🥭🌶️🍝✨