This cold chicken pasta salad recipe is perfect for a refreshing and filling meal. It combines tender chunks of chicken, al dente pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a tangy and creamy dressing. This salad is not only easy to make but also customizable to your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course – either way, it's sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and cubed
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cubed chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl and toss again to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the cold chicken pasta salad chilled and garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Interesting Facts
You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, cooked salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed for a few days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
The tangy and creamy dressing adds a burst of flavor to the salad and complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.