Lemon Orange Chicken Pasta Salad
Lemon Orange Chicken Pasta Salad
While we do think of pasta as a culturally Italian food, it is likely the descendent of ancient Asian noodles. A common belief about pasta is that it was brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo during the 13th century.
Pasta is one of the world’s most accessible foods. Nearly every country has its own unique version of this popular, inexpensive staple. In Germany and Hungary they have spaetzle. In Greece, orzo. And in America, pasta is prepared and served similarly to the way it is found in Italy– with the exception of all-American spaghetti and meatballs.
Noodles existed in Asia long before Polo’s trip to China. Archaeologists believe that central Asia is most likely the first area to have produced noodles thousands of years ago. From Asia, it traveled westward. The way it reached Europe is unclear, though there are many theories—some believe that nomadic Arabs are responsible for bringing early forms of pasta westward. Once it reached the Mediterranean the process was refined, and durum wheat became the ingredient of choice for pasta flour because of its high gluten content and long shelf life. When durum wheat pasta is dried, it lasts indefinitely, making it a very convenient food to store. Over time, because of pasta’s affordability, shelf life, and versatility, it became firmly rooted in Italian culture. The warm Mediterranean climate of Italy is suited to growing fresh vegetables and herbs, which meant that Italians could get creative with a delicious variety of pasta sauces. Tomato-based sauces emerged as a favorite complement to pasta, and tomatoes remain the most popular ingredient in pasta sauce today.
Early Spanish settlers were among the first to bring pasta to America. Believe it or not, it was Thomas Jefferson that helped give pasta an initial push into popularity. During an extended stay in Paris from 1784-1789, Jefferson ate what he called macaroni… back then, the word could have referred to any shape of pasta. He enjoyed the dish so much that he returned to America with two cases in tow. When his supply ran out, he sent for reinforcements via a friend from Naples.
During the late 19th century, when a large group of immigrants relocated from Italy to America (most from Naples), pasta became a common food in the states. We have been making spaghetti in America ever since.
Pasta is, for all intents and purposes, a comfort food. One of its most comforting qualities is how little it has changed over the centuries. It is still made with the same essential ingredients and preparations that it has been since antiquity.
Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless Chicken Breast-2 Pieces
- Fresh Orange juice-1 cup
- Ginger grated-1" piece or 1 tsp.
- Garlic grated-1 tsp.
- Black Pepper- 1 tsp.
- Italian seasoning-1/2 tsp.
- Lemon-1
- Salt-per taste
- Honey-1 tsp.
- Butter-2 tsp.
- Orange color- a little (Optional)
- Spiral pasta-1/2 cup
- Greek or thick yogurt-1/2 cup
- Finely diced red onion,ripe mango, strawberry and tomato-1/2cup total (Fruit can be of your choice and availability).
Method:
- In a ziplock bag, pour orange juice,lemon juice,honey,salt, crushed chilli,black pepper and ginger.
- Marinate for at least half an hour. You can marinate it overnight also.
- Cook spiral pasta according to instruction and give it a bath in cold water,keep aside.
- Prepare a dressing of yogurt,olive oil,Italian seasoning,crushed pepper ,cut onion,cucumber, tomato, fruit of your choice and mix pasta and refrigerate.
- Heat a pan and spread butter .
- Add garlic and saute till the rawness of garlic is gone.
- Now add chicken breast,reserve juices for later.
- Cook the chicken on high heat by covering it. Seering will give it a nice brown color.
- When well done,take it out and cut in strips, add reserved juice in the pan and de-glaze.
- Cook for about a minute.
- Take out pasta from the fridge, arrange a layer in the bottom and spread chicken pieces on the top.
- Pour juice from the pan on the top.
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