Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (~280 g cooked); 8 oz (226 g) pasta such as rotini or penne, cooked al dente; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (~149 g); 1 cup cucumber, diced (~119 g); 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (~75 g); 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (~40 g); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (~120 g); 1/4 cup sour cream (~60 g); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped, for garnish

Description

A comforting creamy chicken pasta salad with warm roasted chicken, pillowy pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for sunny picnics and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (~280 g cooked)
8 oz (226 g) pasta such as rotini or penne, cooked al dente
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (~149 g)
1 cup cucumber, diced (~119 g)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (~75 g)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (~40 g)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (~120 g)
1/4 cup sour cream (~60 g)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well.
If using raw chicken, roast or poach until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken speeds things up.
Prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop red onion. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Add the cooked, cooled pasta and chopped chicken to the bowl with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to preserve texture.
Cover and chill at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld; up to 2–4 hours is ideal. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs just before serving.

Notes

This salad is protein-rich thanks to the chicken, but the mayonnaise contributes most of the fat and calories. Use Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for healthier options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 580
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 80mg