Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the Mandarin Pasta Salad and the possibility of making it without chicken. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the taste and preparation of the salad without this ingredient.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about making the salad without chicken and expresses concern about the taste.
  • Another participant mentions they have only had the salad with chicken but believes it will still be good without it.
  • One participant shares their experience of making the salad without chicken, onions, or almonds, stating that the sauce contributes significantly to the flavor.
  • Another participant reports that they made the salad without chicken and found it to be great, noting that even their husband, who dislikes certain vegetables, enjoyed it.
  • One participant consistently makes the salad without chicken and finds it turns out well.
  • Several participants express enthusiasm for the recipe, with one asking for the recipe and another sharing it.
  • One participant mentions trying the salad with chicken after reading the thread and found it to be a keeper.
  • Another participant recalls that the salad was featured in a theme show a couple of years ago and describes it as quite tasty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of chicken in the salad, with some participants believing it can be made successfully without it, while others have only tried it with chicken.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding the salad, highlighting variations in ingredients and individual tastes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in recipe variations or those looking for ideas on how to adapt the Mandarin Pasta Salad for dietary preferences may find this discussion beneficial.

bridgetbakes
Messages
263
Has anyone made the Mandarin Pasta Salad WITHOUT the chicken? I am considering this salad as a side for dinner tomorrow but don't want to add chicken. (And wont be adding the almonds since I am allergic.)

Will this still taste good?
 
I have only had this with the chicken, but I'm sure it will still be good without it.
 
If you make it, please share how it turned out.:)
 
I think this will still be great. It's a fabulous recipe, in my opinion!!

Best of luck!!
Paula
 
I made it tonight without chicken, onions, or almonds. I think the sauce is alot of what makes it soooo good, so it's still good to go.

(Ok, I still slipped the onions in if you count the Onion soup mix.)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I made this and it came out great! Such a yummy recipe. My husband who doesn't really like peppers or onions still enjoyed it.

I look forward to making it with the chicken some time as a main dish!
 
I always make it with out the chicken and it comes out really good!;)
 
Can you share the recipe? I don't have that one.
 
Here you go! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

Paula Lewis



MANDARIN PASTA SALAD

Dressing
1 teaspoon finely chopped, peeled, fresh gingerroot
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/3 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 envelope Liptonâ Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix
2 teaspoons sugar


Salad
8 ounces uncooked bow-tie pasta
½ cucumber, scored, seeded and sliced
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup coarsely chopped red onion
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach leaves
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orange segments, drained
2 cups diced, cooked chicken
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted


1. For dressing, finely chop gingerroot, using Food Chopper. In Small Batter Bowl, whisk gingerroot, garlic pressed with Garlic Press, vinegar, orange juice, vegetable oil, sesame oil, soup mix and sugar. Cover; refrigerate until ready to use.

2. For salad, cook pasta according to package directions in Professional (8-qt.) Stockpot; drain and rinse under cold running water. Place pasta in Simple Additionsä Large Bowl.

3. Meanwhile, score cucumber using Lemon Zester/Scorer; remove seeds using The Corerä. Slice cucumber, using Ultimate Slice & Grate; cut slices in half. Dice bell pepper, using Chef’s Knife. Coarsely chop onion, using Food Chopper. Add cucumber, bell pepper, onion, spinach, mandarin oranges, chicken and almonds to pasta. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Serve immediately.

Yield: 12 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 30 g
Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 11 g, Sodium 210 mg, Fiber 2 g



****Source: The Pampered Chef Celebration Show recipes, spring/summer 2004****
 
After reading these posts yesterday, I decided to try this salad last night (with the chicken). Wow. This is a keeper! Thanks.
 
This was one of the theme show recipes a couple years ago. Quite tasty, and it can really show a lot of tools.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken?

The ingredients for Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken typically include cooked pasta (such as rotini or bowtie), canned mandarin oranges, diced bell peppers, green onions, sliced almonds, and a dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. You can also add other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch.

How long does it take to prepare the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken?

Can I make the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken ahead of time. In fact, it's often better if allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight, as this allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.

Is the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain any meat or animal products. It can also be made vegan by ensuring that the dressing does not contain any honey or dairy.

What can I substitute for the pasta in the Mandarin Pasta Salad - No Chicken?

If you're looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option, you can substitute the pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. These alternatives will change the texture but can still provide a delicious base for the salad.

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