If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a luscious, tangy dressing, then this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances creamy richness with fresh, bright ingredients, making it a versatile favorite for potlucks, picnics, or just a satisfying weeknight dinner. Every bite brings that delightful combination of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and refreshingly vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the hearty pasta to the crisp vegetables, and the creamy dressing, everything comes together beautifully.
- Rotini or penne pasta: These shapes hold the dressing superbly, ensuring every bite is coated and flavorful.
- Cooked chicken breast, diced: Adds protein and a tender, savory element to the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing crunch and balances the creamy dressing.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Adds sweetness and a pop of bright red that makes the dish visually appealing.
- Green onions, chopped: Deliver a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Mayonnaise: The base for the creamy dressing, contributing richness and smooth texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and a healthy twist while keeping the dressing light.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle kick and depth to the creamy dressing.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the dressing with fresh acidity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A lovely garnish that adds color and a slight herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook it because you want that perfect bite. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, dice your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and green onions into similarly sized chunks to keep the texture consistent throughout the salad. This prep work ensures every forkful is a balanced mix of flavors.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be tangy but balanced, complementing the chicken and vegetables beautifully without overpowering them.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, and chopped vegetables. Pour your creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. This mixing step is crucial so each bite tastes just as good as the last.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a touch of brightness and color that will make this salad look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh parsley is a simple way to elevate the presentation and add a hint of herbaceous freshness. You can also consider a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few halved cherry tomatoes on top for an inviting look.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pasta salad shines on its own but pairs exceptionally well with light sides like crisp green salads, garlic bread, or even grilled vegetables. These sides complement the richness of the salad without competing with the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve this salad in a hollowed-out bread bowl or layered in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. It also works beautifully in individual mason jars for an on-the-go meal or stylish picnic option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually become more harmonious as it chills, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing can change the texture of the pasta and veggies, especially when combined with a creamy dressing. To maintain peak freshness, avoid freezing if possible.
Reheating
This salad is ideally served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, remove the portion you want to eat and allow it to come to room temperature naturally—avoid microwaving as it can cause the dressing to separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe and adds juicy, flavorful chicken without extra cooking.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can swap mayonnaise with an equal amount of extra Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing, but keep in mind it will be less rich and creamy.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, this salad stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Beyond that, the pasta and vegetables may start to lose their ideal texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize your salad with additional veggies like peas, carrots, or even olives. Just make sure to dice them small so they blend well with the existing ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking to impress at a barbecue or need a satisfying meal prep option, this dish offers delicious simplicity with every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Combining tender cooked chicken breast with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it delivers a balanced mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked and diced chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Gently fold in the cooled pasta until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing and hearty meal or side dish.
Notes
- Use rotini or penne pasta for best results; other short pasta shapes work well too.
- For a lighter version, reduce mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt.
- Cook chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Make sure to chill the pasta thoroughly to avoid a mushy salad.
- Adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice or mustard for more tang.
