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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables


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  • Author: Emma Parker
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: High-Protein

Description

Creamy chicken pasta salad loaded with tender chicken, colorful fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a delicious creamy dressing. This easy pasta salad is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and family meals!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Salad

  • 3 cups dry rotini or bow-tie pasta – Provides a hearty base and holds the creamy dressing beautifully.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded – Adds protein and makes the salad filling enough for a main meal.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced – Provides refreshing crunch.
  • ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness, crunch, and bright color.
  • ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced – Adds additional freshness and color.
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced – Provides a mild sharpness that balances the creamy dressing.
  • ½ cup shredded carrots – Adds natural sweetness and extra crunch.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh herbal flavor.
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness.

For the Creamy Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise – Creates the rich and creamy base of the dressing.
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess with a pleasant tang and lightens the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tangy flavor and depth.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Provides savory garlic flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds mild savory seasoning.
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – Brings together the flavors of the dressing.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle warmth.
  • 12 tablespoons milk – Helps thin the dressing to your preferred consistency if needed.

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse briefly with cold water.
  3. Allow pasta to cool completely.
  4. Dice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, carrots, parsley, and green onions.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Add milk if needed to thin the dressing.
  8. Combine cooled pasta and cooked chicken in a large bowl.
  9. Add all prepared vegetables and fresh herbs.
  10. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture.
  11. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  12. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  13. Stir gently before serving and add extra dressing if needed.
  14. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Cook the pasta al dente and cool it completely before adding the dressing.
  • Add a little extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much while chilling.
  • Keep the finished salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 servings
  • Calories: 430 calories