Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Classic

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy chicken pasta salad can turn an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers will appreciate this simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a silky smooth dressing.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Cool and refreshing, this salad works perfectly for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Crisp vegetables add a delightful crunch to the creamy base, making each bite a balanced experience.

Protein-packed chicken ensures you stay satisfied, while the herbs bring a vibrant freshness to the plate.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch it become your new go-to comfort meal.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: What Makes It Great

• Simplify Meal Prep: Quickly toss together a delicious pasta salad that saves you precious cooking time and reduces kitchen stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this recipe adapts to any gathering with its crowd-friendly ingredients.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein from chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy.
• Easy Customization: Swap ingredients or add your favorite herbs and spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different taste preferences.

Items Needed For Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for this creamy chicken salad.
• Chicken: Protein-packed ingredient that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, sweet tomatoes that offer a burst of freshness and color.

• Red Onion, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that contribute a sharp and cool crunch to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and tangy sauce for coating the pasta.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty brightness and helps balance the richness of the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A green herb that provides a final touch of color and a subtle, fresh flavor.

How To Put Together Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Get a large pot of water bubbling. Toss in your pasta and cook exactly as the package recommends. Once done, drain the water completely and let the pasta cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Cooked chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cucumber

Step 3: Create Smooth Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they create a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine All Components

Transfer all chopped ingredients into a large serving bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Add Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top of the pasta salad. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful meal!

Tips For Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber and nutritional value for a healthier twist.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and allow ingredients to marinate.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed dressing that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Swap chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra tanginess and a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Mix It Up With Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace mayonnaise with olive oil, add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Asian Sesame Crunch: Substitute dressing with sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an eastern-style transformation.
• Pesto Protein Power: Blend homemade basil pesto into the dressing, add grilled shrimp instead of chicken, and sprinkle pine nuts for a rich, herbaceous variation.

Pairing Ideas For Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon Blanc's zesty citrus notes perfectly balance the creamy pasta salad, cutting through the richness while enhancing the fresh herb and vegetable flavors.
• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to add textural contrast and provide a delightful vehicle for scooping up the creamy dressing.
• Refresh with Cucumber Mint Spritzer: Create a light, cool beverage that mirrors the salad's fresh ingredients, using muddled cucumber, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a splash of lime.
• Add Crisp Side Salad: Complement the pasta with a light green salad featuring arugula, shaved fennel, and a light vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, fresh element that brightens the overall meal.

Best Storage For Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta salad fresh and tasty.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.
• Enjoy straight from the refrigerator as a chilled dish, perfect for quick lunches or picnics without additional heating.
• Before reheating, add a splash of water or extra yogurt to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe FAQ

• What ingredients can I substitute in this recipe?

Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream, and you can swap chicken with canned tuna or cooked shrimp for variety.

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

Yes, it’s relatively healthy with lean protein from chicken, fresh vegetables, and using Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise, which reduces calories and adds protein.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing flavors to blend together perfectly.

• How long will this pasta salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will remain fresh for 3-4 days.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad brings tangy feta, herb-infused dressing, and succulent grilled chicken together in one refreshing dish. Crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned pasta create a light, satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then rinse under cold water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
3. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, finely chop red onion, and cut cucumber into small, uniform chunks.
4. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
5. Gently fold pasta, chicken, tomatoes, onion, and cucumber together in a large serving bowl.
6. Pour prepared creamy dressing over the pasta mixture, using a spatula to coat ingredients evenly and thoroughly.
7. Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
8. Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal garnish.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter, healthier dressing that still provides creamy texture.
• Customize protein by using grilled shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad, keeping components fresh until serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg