Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad!

🍝 Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

A hearty and creamy salad filled with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a rich dressing.

⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 15 minutes

• Total: ~30 minutes

🍽 Serves

4–6 people

🧾 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works well)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a tangier flavor)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional for extra flavor)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes for al dente.

• Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the salad.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• While the pasta cooks, cook your chicken breast (if not already cooked). You can use leftover chicken or quickly pan-cook it:

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices.

  • Sauté in a little olive oil in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Once done, dice or shred the chicken.

3. Make the Creamy Dressing

• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano.

• Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

• Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well-coated with the dressing.

5. Chill and Serve

• Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also serve it immediately if you’re short on time.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and top with a little shredded cheese (if desired) before serving.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Creamy and comforting but not too heavy.

• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein (try bacon, avocado, or grilled veggies).

• Perfect for meal prep: Makes for an easy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Refreshing: Great for warm weather or picnics!

❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The dressing allows the flavors to meld, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Some great alternatives are:

• Rotini, bowtie pasta (farfalle), or shells. The shape you choose just affects how the dressing clings to the pasta.

Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken for:

• Grilled shrimp

• Turkey breast (great for leftovers!)

• Tofu (for a vegetarian option)

• Bacon for a savory crunch (crumbled on top)

Q: Can I make this lighter?

Yes! To lighten it up:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.

• Use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise.

• Add more veggies for bulk and less pasta.

Q: How can I make this salad spicier?

To add a little heat:

• Add jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the salad.

• Use sriracha in the dressing or drizzle on top before serving.

• Add red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss them into the salad.

Q: What should I serve this salad with?

• Grilled bread or crusty rolls to sop up any leftover dressing.

• A side of fruit like grapes, melon, or a citrus salad for a fresh contrast.

• A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad! It saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken and toss it in with the other ingredients.

🌱 Customization Ideas

• Add-ins: Throw in some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

• Noodles: For a twist, try swapping pasta with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter, lower-carb option.

• Make it crunchy: Add croutons or crispy chickpeas for an extra crunch!

If you want, I can help you:

• Adjust this for meal prep by adding more protein or fiber.

• Make it dairy-free or vegan by swapping the creamy elements.

• Suggest seasonal veggie swaps to keep it fresh year-round.