Chicken And Farfalle Salad With Walnut Pesto Food

SPINACH, WALNUT AND GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO PASTA WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages, covered with a medium heatproof bowl, until nice and charred and no longer pink on the inside, flipping once, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice on the bias. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Poach the garlic cloves in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.
• Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the food processor with the garlic and pulse until chopped, about 8 times. Add the spinach, basil, cheese, olive oil, raisins, salt, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still rustically chopped. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spider, add the pasta to the skillet. Add the spinach pesto and toss to combine. Heat until warmed through. Season to taste if necessary and serve immediately topped with grilled sausage slices.

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES WITH WALNUT-DILL PESTO

Steps:

• Combine the onion, lemon juice, sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Put the dill, walnuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture comes together, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed. Transfer the dill pesto to a large bowl and stir in the lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
• Drain the onion and squeeze dry. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Divide the lettuce and tomatoes among 4 pieces of bread; top each with some chicken salad, onion and another piece of bread. Serve with chips.

FARFALLE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again.
• In a food processor or blender, process the pine nuts, garlic and basil leaves until finely chopped.
• With the processor running, pour in the olive oil until combined.
• Add the cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Toss the pesto with the pasta.
• Mix in the peas, cucumber and green onions.
• Serve garnished with basil leaves.

GRILLED CHICKEN AND PESTO FARFALLE

Steps:

• Set the grill to medium high heat (or use a ribbed grill pan on the stovetop). Spray with cooking spray.
• Season the chicken with the salt and pepper. Place on the grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes - until the juices run clear. Remove from grill and let stand for five minutes. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; keep warm.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in a colander placed over a bowl. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Place the drained pasta into a large serving bowl.
• Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook one minute, stirring occasionally.
• Combine the 1/2 cup milk and flour in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add this mixture to the garlic and butter whisking constantly. Stir in the pesto. Slowly add the remaining milk - whisking constantly. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
• Add the reserved cooking liquid and one cup of the shredded cheese, stir until the cheese melts. Add salt and pepper if desired.
• Add the chicken and the sauce to the bowl of pasta, tossing well to coat. Add the tomatoes and basil and gently toss again. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.

CHICKEN AND FARFALLE SALAD WITH WALNUT PESTO

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain, rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and olives.
• To prepare pesto, combine basil and next 6 ingredients in food processor. Pulse until finely minced. Add pesto to pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
• Serve over lettuce leaves.