Description

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender cooked chicken, al dente rotini pasta, fresh crisp vegetables, and a creamy herb dressing to create a refreshing and satisfying dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy meal prep lunches, this salad offers a flavorful balance with juicy tomatoes, crunchy celery, and a zesty dressing featuring Dijon mustard and lemon juice.

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

12 oz rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced

Vegetables

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup celery, sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced celery, and finely diced red onion. Gently stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill well.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad as a bright, fresh garnish. Serve cold for best taste and texture.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice for this salad.
Optional add-ins like shredded cheddar cheese or diced avocado add extra creaminess and flavor.
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
For best texture, avoid overdressing the salad until ready to serve.
Use fresh vegetables for optimal crispness and taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American