My wife likes this pasta. However, I don’t care for it but I make it to humor her. Aside from tomatoes or onions, what would you add to bring this to life?
Recipe – chicken (can use rotisserie or canned, I used canned in this case because I had it) red bell pepper, feta cheese, pasta (obviously), balsamic vinegar and olive oil. She adds more balsamic. And salt and pepper it to taste once in a bowl or plate. Serve cold.
Not looking to hear opinions on the canned chicken either. I’m well aware it’s expensive. Overall it’s still pretty cheap to make. Thanks 😊
by Conscious_Trade_2549
41 Comments
Black olives
Cucumbers, or peas!
Is this warm or cold?
I’d probably add canned peas, black olives, or banana peppers, depending on my mood.
Cucumber, red onion or green, banana peppers, your preferred type of olive, fresh parsley, cannellini beans!
capers
Olives, bell peppers
Green onion or chives
Cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Olives
Black olives and cucumbers
A can of chick peas, for extra protein! Plus they are yummy.
Black or Kalamata olives, pepperoncinis, cucumbers, mozzarella cheese. Wouldn’t have to be all of it but some items that came to mind
Chicken,feta + balsamic = a great combo
Maybe some celery for crunch?
Bacon.
Black olives, cucumbers, banana peppers.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and parm cheese.
Boiled eggs and capers, tomatoes.
Black olives, fresh grated Parmesan cheese, some chopped bell pepper, preferably a blend of red, green and yellow, maybe some steamed and cooled zucchini, definitely more seasoning a little basil, a little oregano, and a pinch of cayenne to liven it up. Perhaps a smidge of garlic powder
Pesto!
Cucumber, avocado and way more seasonings. Dill, oregano, garlic and way more black pepper
Something crunchy. Bell pepper, celery, red onion. Or maybe some nuts?
Sun-dried tomato and fresh basil leaves
Chick peas or other white bean
Peas! You need some cheap color in that beauty.
Celery, diced, for crunch, frozen (thawed) peas for color and nutrition.
Try some chili flakes if you like a little heat
sliced pickled banana peppers
Some garlic and or onion powder, chopped up celery and onion, I like a few olives sliced in it if I happen to have them.
White sauce with a roux
Looks good. Maybe black/green olives, roasted red peppers or both?
Something green. Literally anything
Black olives, caper, and zucchini.
It’s a fairly heavy dish but i’d be tempted to add some roasted green vegetable. Think roasted fennel or broccoli or brussel sprouts. It’ll add some texture and crunch.
Italian seasoning
Chopped green onions or finely chopped red onion.
Cherry tomatoes, Italian dressing/ powdered dressing mix (or ranch or Caesar dressing to “mix up” the flavors once in a while!), olives as other folks said.
Also Marinated Mushrooms, Marinated Gigante Beans, or Pearl/Sweet Drop Peppers are tasty, too!
Chickpeas would be great in it, Celery, seeded cucumber pieces/slices, and zucchini is tasty in these salads, also.
Lastly, switching out Pepperoni for the chicken, and having that with *any* of the options mentioned above is another tasty version of this salad!😉💖
Shredded bell pepper
Peas
Cheese!!! Feta, or regular, (I put both).
Fresh mozzarella & basil would be perfect