Grilled Chicken Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Grilled Chicken Poppy Seed Pasta Salad.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your grill pan over medium-high heat. A little oil on the grill will help prevent sticking and give your chicken those beautiful grill marks. While that heats up, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook it uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it's al dente—about 11 minutes should do the trick. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Step 2

   Now, let’s get to the chicken! Grill the chicken breast halves for about 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the meat is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Keep it warm while you prepare the salad.

3. Step 3

   In a large salad bowl, combine the grilled chicken, warm linguine, chopped romaine, diced green bell pepper, sliced red onion, and cucumber. Toss everything together gently to mix the flavors.

4. Step 4

   For the dressing, whisk together the safflower oil, cider vinegar, white sugar, poppy seeds, dry mustard powder, and chopped green onions in a separate bowl until smooth and well blended. Pour this delicious dressing over your salad and give it a final toss to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!