Cookin' Canuck Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe w/ Plums, Feta & Cumin Dressing (2024)

When we visited my parents in Victoria, B.C. last week, it became abundantly clear why my obsession with food started at a young age. Within 10 minutes of leaving the airport, we pulled up to my parents' favorite farm stand, loading up on two varieties of corn (perfect for this Grilled Corn Salad), fresh plums, peaches and zucchini. Does it sound as though I'm complaining? I promise you that couldn't be farther from the truth. We enjoyed plenty of meals in my parents' newly landscaped, spectacular backyard, each one inspired by some form of fresh produce.

Meals of light summer pasta salads, grilled ribs and seared shrimp were interrupted only by expeditions to the beach to search for crabs and shells, and carriage rides around Victoria.

By the way, if you're ever traveling through Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, by carriage or any other means, don't miss the Beacon Drive-In for the best soft-serve ice cream you'll ever taste.

After returning home from Victoria, I couldn't stop thinking about all of the fresh fruits and vegetables we ate while on holiday. When I spotted some ruby red plums at the market, the wheels started turning. Should I make a crisp? How about an ice cream? Ultimately, I decided to opt for something a little healthier. Plus, I didn't have any ideas for dinner that night, so I knew I had to put on my culinary thinking cap.

And so was born this whole wheat pasta salad, brought to life with the ripe, sweet plums, a light orange and cumin dressing and salty feta cheese. Some shredded chicken adds an extra hit of protein and sliced green onions and cilantro pump up the "freshness" factor.

Are you thinking that plums, cumin and pasta sound like an odd combination? Well, I'll just have to ask you to trust me on this one. The flavors will have you smitten.

The recipe:

The dressing:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, agave or honey, salt and pepper. Set aside.

The pasta salad:
Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the penne, shredded chicken, plums and feta cheese.

Pour in the dressing and stir to coat the pasta.

Add the green onions and cilantro and stir gently to combine.

Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Printable Recipe

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