Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick meal. Creamy, tangy, and slightly savory, with a balance of textures from the pasta, chicken, and fresh veggies. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal or side dish!

About this Chicken Pasta Salad

This classic Chicken Pasta Salad features a rich, creamy dressing made with a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, ensuring a luscious yet light texture. It’s packed with delicious mix-ins like crisp carrot, crunchy celery, vibrant bell peppers, zesty green onion, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and even buttery avocado if you choose to add it.

One of its standout qualities is its perfectly balanced creaminess—generously coated with dressing without being overly heavy. The mayonnaise-sour cream combination creates a smooth, velvety texture with less oil, giving every bite a satisfying yet refreshing taste.

Ingredients For Avocado & Mango Salad

Mayonnaise: Opt for whole-egg mayonnaise to achieve a richer, smoother taste compared to regular versions. Brands like Hellman’s and S&W are excellent choices. If whole-egg mayonnaise isn’t available, reduce the cider vinegar slightly to prevent the dressing from becoming overly tangy.

Sour Cream: Helps balance out the mayonnaise while maintaining a luxurious creaminess in the dressing.

Dijon Mustard & Garlic Powder: Essential flavor enhancers that bring depth to the salad. If you love Dijon, this addition won’t disappoint!

Cider Vinegar: Adds the perfect amount of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

Sugar: Just a pinch to round out the taste, following the classic, tried-and-true method.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta: Swap penne, rotini, or farfalle with whole wheat, gluten-free, or protein-enriched pasta for a healthier twist.

• Chicken: Use turkey, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu for an alternative protein option.

• Mayonnaise: Replace with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado puree for a lighter yet creamy dressing.

• Dijon Mustard: Try yellow mustard, honey mustard, or whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile.

• Cider Vinegar: Use white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lemon juice for a variation in acidity.

• Sugar: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or a touch of agave for natural sweetness.

• Vegetables: Customize with zucchini, spinach, roasted bell peppers, or corn to suit your taste.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

• Crunchy Texture: Toss in toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or croutons for extra crunch.

• Cheesy Version: Mix in cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese crumbles for a richer taste.

• Herb-Infused: Use basil, parsley, dill, or chives to add more freshness.

• Protein-Packed: Include boiled eggs, bacon bits, or grilled salmon for a hearty meal.

How to make Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Recipe by StephenCourse: Pasta salad, Protein salad, Salad, Salads

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked penne pasta

• 1 cup grilled chicken, shredded

• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced

• 1/2 cup celery, chopped

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

• Cook the Pasta & Prepare Ingredients
  Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
  Dice the bell peppers, celery, and green onions.
  Shred the grilled chicken into small pieces.
• Assemble the Salad
  In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, bell peppers, celery, and green onions.
• Make the Dressing
  In a small bowl, whisk together:
  Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
  Dijon mustard
  Lemon juice
  Salt & pepper
• Mix Everything
  Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad.
  Toss gently until everything is well coated.
• Serve & Enjoy
  Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

• Chicken Preparation – A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also poach your own using a foolproof method for perfectly tender results.
  Cooking Bacon – Start with a cold pan to gradually render the bacon fat as it heats up, eliminating the need for extra oil while achieving a crisp finish.
  Alternative Dressing – Swap out mayonnaise for a Creamy Yogurt Dressing to lighten up the dish. Yogurt Ranch or Yogurt Potato Salad Dressing are excellent choices for pasta salads.
  Storage Tips – This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days, but freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture.
  Nutritional Info – Check the serving details for a balanced breakdown of calories, protein, and fats.

Nutrition Information:

Energy: 548 kcal (27%) Carbs: 37g (12%) Protein: 24g (48%) Total Fat: 33g (51%) Saturated Fat: 11g (69%) Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 76mg (25%) Sodium: 1355mg (59%) Potassium: 410mg (12%) Dietary Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugars: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 2390 IU (48%) Vitamin C: 16mg (19%)Calcium: 183mg (18%) Iron: 1mg (6%)