Description
This Delicious Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds tossed with bow tie pasta in a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for summer cookouts or light lunches, this salad combines classic Waldorf flavors with a pasta twist for a hearty and refreshing dish that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken can save time)
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (Cook to al dente)
- 1 cup Celery (Chopped; can substitute with apples)
- 1/2 cup Green Onions (Can substitute with red onions)
- 1 cup Red Seedless Grapes (Can substitute with dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Ground Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (Fresh parsley can enhance the taste)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather and prepare all the ingredients you’ll need for the salad, including cooking the chicken and pasta as detailed in following steps.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil the chicken in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from water, drain well, and allow it to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients without breaking them down.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing.
- Combine and Fold: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, blending it thoroughly for an even coating. Gently fold in the red seedless grapes, cooked bow tie pasta, and sliced almonds, taking care not to crush the ingredients and maintaining the salad’s texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, sprinkle additional pepper on top if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save cooking time.
- Celery can be substituted with diced apples for added sweetness.
- Green onions can be swapped with red onions depending on your preference.
- Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- This salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; toss gently before serving.
