Looking for a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavour and perfect for every occasion? This Pakistani Buffet-Style Pasta Salad with healthy chicken is exactly what your menu needs. Inspired by the colourful spreads often found at traditional Pakistani gatherings, this salad combines the hearty comfort of pasta with bold, zesty flavours and wholesome ingredients to create a dish that is as delicious as it is nourishing.
In recent years, healthy chicken recipes have gained immense popularity across the UK, especially among home cooks seeking balanced meals without sacrificing taste. This salad is a fusion of desi and Western elements—perfectly cooked chicken cubes, crunchy vegetables, boiled pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s satisfying enough to be enjoyed as a main course yet light enough to serve as a side.
Ingredients for Dressing:
- Olive oil 3 tbsp
- Chilli garlic ketchup 4-5 tbsp
- vinegar 1 tbsp
- Soya sauce 2 tbsp
- Chilli sauce 3-4 tbsp
- Paprika 1 tbsp
- Chilli flakes 1 tbsp
- Black pepper 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar or Honey to taste
- Salt to taste
Mix all the ingredients to make a dressing.
Chicken Preparation:
Boneless chicken 150g cut into cubes
Saute chicken in 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste for 3 minutes. Then add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 soya sauce, 1/2 chilli sauce and 1/4 tsp red chilli powder and Capsicum 1/4 cup. Then let it fry for 5 more minutes.
Salad Preparation:
- Pasta 250g boiled
- Chicken
- Cabbage 1 cup
- 2 Tomatoes chopped
- Chickpeas 1 cup
- Corn 1 cup boiled
- 1 Onion chopped
- Cucumber 1/2 cup chopped
Culinary Process:
Add all the ingredients in a bowl. Add salad dressing and mix well. Serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on standard recipes:
Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~80g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~8g
Sodium: ~500mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Health Benefits
High in Protein: The inclusion of chicken and chickpeas provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Fiber: Vegetables and chickpeas contribute to a high fiber content, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Balanced Macronutrients: The combination of carbohydrates from pasta, proteins from chicken and chickpeas, and healthy fats from olive oil creates a balanced meal.
Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and capsicum add essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredient Availability in the UK
All the ingredients for this Pakistani buffet-style pasta salad are readily available in the UK:
Pasta: Available in all major supermarkets.
Chicken: Fresh or frozen options are widely available.
Chickpeas and Corn: Canned or dried versions can be found in the canned goods aisle.
Spices and Sauces: Chilli garlic ketchup, soy sauce, and chilli sauce are available in the international foods section.
Fresh Vegetables: Cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and capsicum are available in the produce section.
Serving Suggestions
Main Course: Serve as a standalone dish for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or tofu for a more substantial meal.
Picnic Favourite: Pack in airtight containers for a refreshing outdoor meal.
This Pakistani buffet-style pasta salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal option. Its balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients makes it a valuable addition to a healthy chicken diet.
Final Thoughts
This Pakistani Buffet-Style Pasta Salad is more than just a crowd-pleasing dish—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavours and balanced nutrition. Perfectly combining tender healthy chicken, wholesome vegetables, and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light yet satisfying weekday meal, it never disappoints.
Best of all, it uses accessible ingredients that are easy to find in UK supermarkets, making it convenient and cost-effective. With its rich mix of textures and bold spices, it caters to both health-conscious eaters and flavour enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking to add more healthy chicken meals to your weekly rotation—this salad is an excellent starting point. It’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste.
So go ahead, toss together this colourful bowl of goodness, and bring the flavour of a Pakistani buffet right to your table—delicious, nutritious, and unmistakably vibrant.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!