Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

Introduction

Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just need a quick and tasty lunch, this recipe has you covered. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and colorful veggies, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The creamy dressing ties it all together, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Why Make This Recipe

This Chicken Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and can be customized to suit your taste. Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies your hunger. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

Making Chicken Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to whip up this tasty dish:

Ingredients:

500g / 1 lb macaroni / elbow pasta (or other pasta of choice)
1 tbsp salt (to cook pasta)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
150g / 5 oz bacon, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely sliced
1 red capsicum / bell pepper, finely diced
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 carrots (medium), shredded using a standard box grater
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Colby)
2 avocados (small/medium), cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
1 cup mayonnaise (whole egg best)
1 cup sour cream (full fat, low fat okay too)
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Directions:

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and let it cool.
Dressing: In a bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
Cook Bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a cold non-stick skillet. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and cook until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the salad ingredients, reserving some bacon for garnish. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
Set Aside: Let the salad sit for 20 minutes. Transfer it to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining bacon. Serve and enjoy!
Storage: This salad keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For best taste, bring it to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad

Serve Chicken Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or as a main meal. You can garnish it with extra bacon bits, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.

How to Store Chicken Pasta Salad

Store any leftover Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If the salad seems dry after storage, add a little extra dressing before serving.

Tips to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

Cook your pasta just until al dente so it holds up better in the salad.
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like corn, peas, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
For a healthier version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Variation

You can easily customize this salad by adding different proteins such as shrimp or turkey. You can also swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options to suit dietary needs.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
- Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor to the salad.
How long can I store this salad?
- The salad lasts for 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep, just make sure to mix in the dressing shortly before serving to keep it fresh.

Enjoy making this delicious Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing! It’s quick, tasty, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing

A delightful Chicken Pasta Salad with a creamy dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches. Packed with chicken, bacon, and colorful veggies, this dish is a feast for the senses.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the salad

500 g macaroni / elbow pasta (or other pasta of choice)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
150 g bacon, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely sliced
1 red capsicum / bell pepper, finely diced
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 medium carrots, shredded using a standard box grater
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Colby)
2 small/medium avocados, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)

For the dressing

1 cup mayonnaise (whole egg best)
1 cup sour cream (full fat, low fat okay too)
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp sugar
1.5 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

For cooking pasta

1 tbsp salt (to cook pasta)

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and let it cool.

Making the Dressing

In a bowl, mix the dressing ingredients together. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.

Cooking the Bacon

Place the chopped bacon in a cold non-stick skillet. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and cook until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the salad ingredients, reserving some bacon for garnish.
Pour the dressing over and toss well.

Finishing Touches

Let the salad sit for 20 minutes. Transfer it to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining bacon. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

This salad keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For best taste, bring it to room temperature before serving. Cook your pasta just until al dente so it holds up better in the salad. Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables for extra flavor. For a healthier version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Keyword Chicken Pasta Salad, Creamy Dressing, Meal Prep, Picnic Recipes, Quick Lunch