Welcome to the only Chicken Pasta Salad recipe you’ll ever need. This dish is the perfect harmony of tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a deliciously creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s the ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks, and a refreshing lunch on a warm day. Forget bland, uninspired pasta salads; this recipe is packed with flavor, texture, and vibrant color that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We’ve designed this recipe to be both incredibly easy and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find these instructions straightforward and the results consistently delicious. Let’s dive into creating a truly memorable chicken pasta salad.
Why This is the Best Chicken Pasta Salad
There are countless pasta salad recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and light, savory and fresh. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy, creamy dressing beautifully complements the savory chicken, sweet corn, and crisp celery and red onion.
- Wonderful Textures: From the tender pasta and chicken to the crunchy vegetables, every bite is a delightful mix of textures.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or even a different type of cheese. Find more inspiration with our Summer Kale Salad.
- Make-Ahead Champion: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for meal prep or stress-free entertaining.
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this creamy chicken pasta salad lies in using simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important:
For the Salad
- Pasta: Rotini or fusilli are excellent choices because their spiral shape perfectly captures the creamy dressing.
- Chicken: Use cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breast. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver!
- Vegetables: We use a classic combination of celery for crunch, red onion for a mild bite, and sweet corn for a pop of sweetness.
- Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley add a layer of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
For the Creamy Dressing
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: This combination creates a dressing that is both rich and tangy, without being overly heavy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds the necessary acidity to cut through the richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle, tangy depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
How to Make The Perfect Chicken Pasta Salad Step-by-Step
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. For another easy weeknight meal, try our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook it, as mushy pasta can ruin the texture of the salad. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl—the same one you’ll mix the salad in—whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, chopped red onion, corn, fresh dill, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re a fan of make-ahead sides, you’ll also love this Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad.
Expert Tips and Variations
Want to take your salad to the next level? Here are some expert tips and creative variations to try.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and provides the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool the Pasta Completely: Adding warm pasta to the dressing can cause it to become oily and separate. A quick rinse with cold water is key.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to fully develop.
- Save Some Dressing: Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. If you’re making it ahead of time, reserve a little extra dressing to stir in just before serving to refresh its creaminess.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add Bacon: For a savory, smoky crunch, add some crumbled cooked bacon.
- Include Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, gently fold in some diced avocado just before serving.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing for a little kick.
- Cheese Please: Cubed cheddar, Colby Jack, or crumbled feta cheese are all fantastic additions.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is key to enjoying your chicken pasta salad for days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the dressing may separate and the vegetables will lose their crispness upon thawing.
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors actually get better as they sit. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it. You may want to add a splash of milk or a little extra dressing to loosen it up before serving.
Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it sits. To prevent your salad from becoming dry, especially when making it ahead, you can either reserve about a quarter of the dressing to add just before serving, or simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.
Properly stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prepping your lunches for the week.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add things like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.
You can use any cooked chicken. Leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken are all excellent, time-saving options. Just be sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavors actually get better as they sit. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it. You may want to add a splash of milk or a little extra dressing to loosen it up before serving.
Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it sits. To prevent your salad from becoming dry, especially when making it ahead, you can either reserve about a quarter of the dressing to add just before serving, or simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or mayonnaise to restore its creamy consistency.
Properly stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prepping your lunches for the week.
This recipe is very versatile! You can add things like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, or even a handful of spinach for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.
You can use any cooked chicken. Leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken are all excellent, time-saving options. Just be sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
More Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this creamy and delicious Chicken Pasta Salad! It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. If you enjoyed it, be sure to share it with your friends and family on Pinterest. We love seeing our recipes being enjoyed in your homes!
Chicken Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Creamy & Refreshing Recipe
An easy, crowd-pleasing Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp vegetables in a rich and tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, celery, red onion, corn, parsley, and dill.
- Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. If the salad seems a little dry after being refrigerated, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or extra mayonnaise to restore its creaminess.
Ingredient Tip: Using a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time on meal prep.
Chicken Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Creamy & Refreshing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, celery, red onion, corn, parsley, and dill.
- Gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
Ingredient Tip: Using a rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time on meal prep.
