Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after chilling.
It’s a balanced dish with protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables.
You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins.
It’s great for picnics, barbecues, and make-ahead lunches.
It’s simple to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
Add crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Mix in olives, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for additional texture.
Use a vinaigrette-based dressing instead of a creamy one for a lighter version.
Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
Add crispy bacon pieces for a smoky flavor boost.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt and mix well.
This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate and the vegetables can lose their texture.
Serve chilled; reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors improve as it chills.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie hold the dressing well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse it under cold water after cooking and toss it lightly with a small amount of dressing.
Can I add fruit to this salad?
Yes, grapes or diced apples add a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
Make sure the pasta is well drained and the vegetables are patted dry before mixing.
Can I make it healthier?
Use light mayonnaise and increase the amount of vegetables for a lighter option.
What can I serve with Chicken Pasta Salad?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, or crusty bread.
Conclusion
Chicken Pasta Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, meal prep, or a simple family dinner, this refreshing salad is sure to become a favorite.
PrintChicken Pasta Salad
Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or family gatherings, this chilled salad is easy to make and packed with texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
- Short pasta shapes like rotini or bowtie hold dressing best.
- If salad becomes dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt.
- Pat vegetables dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Not recommended for freezing due to creamy dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
