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