Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad With Or Without Chicken Food

CILANTRO-LIME PASTA SALAD (WITH OR WITHOUT CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
• Meanwhile, for dressing, in a blender combine lime juice, cilantro, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until well mixed. Set aside.
• Lightly coat the rack of an indoor electric grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Place chicken on grill rack. If using a grill with a cover, close lid. Grill until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F). (For a covered grill, allow about 6 minutes. For an uncovered grill, allow 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling.) Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
• In a large bowl combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, mango, avocado, sweet peppers, and jalapeno pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. If desired, serve with lime wedges.

CILANTRO-LIME CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the lime peel strip, soy sauce, and chicken cubes. Place in a resealable plastic bag and marinate 1 hour, or longer.
• Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
• Stir-fry the chicken cubes in the olive oil, until opaque and slightly browned.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Mix well, pour over the chicken.