For those about to rave, we salute you… and also suggest you feed your body with the right nutrients to keep your energy up all night. Enter the Rave Essentials: Spinach and Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s not just any salad; it’s a powerhouse of energy, optimized for the raver in you.

Ingredients:

1. Pasta:
   • 200g of whole grain penne or fusilli (complex carbs for sustained energy)
2. Protein:
   • 2 boneless chicken breasts (protein to keep you full and provide sustained energy)
3. Veggies:
   • 2 cups of fresh spinach (rich in magnesium and iron)
   • 1 red bell pepper, diced (vitamin C and antioxidants)
   • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (antioxidants)
   • 1/2 cucumber, diced (hydration)
4. Dressing:
   • Juice of 1 large lemon (vitamin C and zest)
   • 3 tbsp olive oil (good fats for sustained energy)
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced (flavor and immune boost)
   • 1 tsp dried oregano (flavor)
   • 1 tsp dried basil (flavor)
   • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Bring a pot of salted water to boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook as per the package instructions until al dente. This ensures it retains a slight bite, making it more digestible and better for sustained energy.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Grill the Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano and basil.
   • Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and slightly charred.
   • Remove from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. Once cooled, slice them into bite-sized strips.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, fresh spinach, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
   • Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated and combined.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • You can enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate it for a while to let the flavors meld. Before heading to the rave, give it a good toss and serve!

This dish is designed to be both flavorful and energizing. The combination of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the whole grain pasta, and vitamins from the vegetables will ensure you’re fueled and ready to dance the night away. The lemon-herb dressing keeps the salad light and adds a burst of freshness.