Description
This cold chicken pasta salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful homemade dressing, it’s a go-to recipe for summer picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s easy to customize and can be made ahead for effortless meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan or crumbled feta
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
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Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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If using fresh chicken, cook and shred or dice it. Otherwise, use pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken.
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Chop the vegetables and fresh herbs.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
If the salad sits too long, add a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh the texture.
Swap mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Try adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg