Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs gemelli pasta ( I only used 12 oz which worked great )
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup frozen corn ( I used fresh corn , cut off the cobb )
10 ounces chicken ( I used precooked chicken instead of poaching it )
1/4 lb asparagus
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary ( I only used 1 T and it was very strong in this recipe )
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper
6 tablespoons honey ( I only used 3 T and it was VERY SWEET , I caution you if you choose to use more )
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 orange , Juice and zest of ( I used the juice of half the orange )
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Eatzi's Gemelli, Chicken and Cranberry Salad is a popular menu item at the gourmet market and deli chain Eatzi's in Texas. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The gemelli pasta provides a great base for the dish, and the addition of chicken, pine nuts, and cranberries make it a balanced and satisfying meal. The dressing is a delicious combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and orange zest, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding more veggies or using a different type of pasta.

Instructions

1.Cook the gemelli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2.Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown. Set aside.
3.Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
4.Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and minced rosemary.
5.In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice and zest, salt, and pepper.
6.Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.
7.In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pine nuts, corn, chicken, asparagus, and dried cranberries.
8.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

PROS

This salad is packed with flavor and nutrition! It’s a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

The combination of tart cranberries and sweet honey is a perfect balance of flavors.

It’s easy to customize this recipe to your liking – you can add more vegetables or adjust the amount of dressing as needed.

CONS

This salad is relatively high in calories and fat due to the olive oil and honey in the dressing.

The dish can be time-consuming to prepare, especially if you’re making the chicken from scratch or cooking your own pasta.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Eatzi’s Gemelli, Chicken and Cranberry Salad is a great way to incorporate more whole grains and vegetables into your diet.
The asparagus is low in calories and high in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and weight management.
The dried cranberries are a great source of antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk of chronic diseases.

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