One of my favorite dishes to whip up is this easy chicken pasta salad. It’s creamy, savory, and just downright refreshing! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have lying around.
This recipe solves rushed weeknights, bland lunches, and messy leftovers by delivering a creamy chicken pasta salad with dependable texture and portable servings.
I often find myself in a jam when I need to make a quick meal that everyone will love. This recipe saves the day! It’s typically ready in about 30 minutes and tastes even better after it sits for a while. That means I can make it ahead of time and have it ready for busy weeknights or picnics.
What I love about this chicken pasta salad is how adaptable it is. You can throw in whatever fresh vegetables you have, or even use rotisserie chicken if you’re really short on time. And if you’re worried about your pasta salad being too dry, don’t fret! The dressing keeps things nice and coated without feeling heavy.
If you want to try a different pasta dish, you should check out this Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Pasta Salad. It’s got a fun twist that might just become your next favorite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture: This chicken pasta salad has a creamy feel that’s so satisfying, but it doesn’t leave you with that greasy aftertaste. The mix of pasta and veggies gives it a nice bite.
- Flavor: You’ll love how the savory and tangy flavors come together. With seasoned chicken and a yogurt dressing, it’s refreshing without being too heavy.
- Convenience: This dish is super easy to whip up, especially if you grab a rotisserie chicken. It’s a quick meal prep option that keeps well in the fridge.
- Storage: It lasts a solid 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and letting it warm up to room temp before serving brings out the flavors again.
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
A delicious vegetarian classic chicken pasta salad packed with flavor and perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 500g macaroni / elbow pasta
- 1 tbsp salt
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
- 150g bacon, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely sliced
- 1 red capsicum / bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Colby)
- 2 small/medium avocados, cut into bite size pieces (optional)
- 1 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1 cup full fat sour cream
- 3 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, for dressing
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder, for dressing
- 4 tsp sugar, for dressing
- 2 tsp salt, for dressing
- 1 tsp pepper, for dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm to the bite but not too soft. Do not cook it too long, or you will end up with mushy pasta salad later on. Remember to cool it quickly after draining!
- Shred the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, shred your chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be tender and moist, making it easy to pull apart. Using rotisserie chicken here saves a ton of time and adds great flavor. Just watch out for any bones!
- Chop Fresh Veggies: Next, chop your veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers into small, uniform pieces. They should have a crisp feel and fresh aroma. This step adds color and crunch to your salad. If you cut them too large, they might overpower the dish.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until it’s well combined. You will love the tangy smell wafting up as you mix. This dressing ties all the flavors together, so do not skip this. Just make sure it’s not too oily or too tart.
- Toss Everything Together: Combine the pasta, shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and dressing in a large bowl. You want to see everything evenly coated, making it look inviting. This step is key for flavor; light dressing keeps it from being too heavy. Avoid over-mixing, or you might break the pasta.
- Chill and Serve: Let your pasta salad chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. You will notice the flavors melding beautifully. Serving it at room temperature is often best for flavor, so do not skip this. Just make sure to enjoy it quickly, as it might get soggy if left too long.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container at or below 40 degrees F for 3 – 4 days. It is best to bring to room temperature before serving.
- Expert Tips: If the pasta salad feels dry, adding an extra 1/4 cup of dressing can improve moisture and flavor significantly. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the salad right before serving for a fresh taste.
- If the avocado turns brown before serving, add lime juice to the avocado pieces before mixing into the salad. In case the pasta becomes mushy, keep an eye on the recommended cooking time on the package and cool promptly by rinsing with cold water.
- Reheating Instructions: Refrigerated pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature after being in the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair with a light vinaigrette salad on the side. Enjoy with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
- Recipe Variations: Add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness. Replace bacon with diced ham for a different flavor. Incorporate chopped herbs like dill or parsley for freshness.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose firm and ripe avocados for the best flavor. Options like Greek yogurt can substitute for mayonnaise if you desire a lighter dressing. Fresh vegetables should be bright and firm for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 548
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1355mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
Recipe Tips
- If pasta salad feels dry, adding an extra 1/4 cup of dressing can improve moisture and flavor significantly.
- When cutting avocado, sprinkling with lime juice right after slicing helps prevent browning until you’re ready to serve.
- If pasta becomes mushy, keep an eye on the recommended cooking time on the package and cool promptly by rinsing with cold water.
- For the best taste, allowing the salad to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving lets the flavors shine.
- If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the salad right before serving for a fresh taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken pasta salad with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. A light vinaigrette salad complements the dish well and adds freshness.
This salad works well in a summer picnic or a lunch setting. You can also use it at dinner parties to impress guests.
Serve the salad with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink. You can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra tanginess.
Recipe variations
- You can use penne or fusilli instead of elbow pasta for a change in texture.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pickles or relish for a zesty flavor boost.
- Either replace avocados with diced cucumbers or incorporate black olives for extra crunch.
- If making a larger batch, increase pasta to 750g and adjust other ingredients proportionally.
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How to Store?
To keep your classic chicken pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This maintains its taste and texture.
Room Temperature: If serving immediately, keep the salad covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Avoid longer exposure to heat.
Freezing: Store the salad in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegetarian Roasted Tomato Burrata
- Vegetarian Tapenade Pasta Salad
- Vegetarian Pickled Jalapeno Pasta Salad
- Vegetarian Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Classic Chicken Pasta Salad or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
