This hearty plate combines crispy, flavorful chicken wings with a creamy pasta salad and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. Perfect for family dinners, barbecues, or casual gatherings, this balanced dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds (900 g) chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Pasta Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, macaroni, or your favorite shape)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or dill
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggie Medley:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Spread the wings out on a lined baking sheet or place them in the air fryer basket. Bake for 35-40 minutes or air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pasta Salad
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, parsley/dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggie Medley
- Toss the bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until well coated.
Step 4: Serve
- Arrange the crispy chicken wings on a plate alongside a generous serving of creamy pasta salad.
- Add a portion of the fresh veggie medley for a crisp and refreshing touch.
Tips for Success
- For extra-crispy chicken wings, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Customize the pasta salad by adding shredded cheese, sweet corn, or cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the veggie medley with balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures: juicy, crispy wings, a creamy and tangy pasta salad, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Dig in and enjoy!