Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad - A Flavorful Summer Delight

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of flavors perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Can swap with rotini or penne
For the Protein
  • 2 cups Chicken Shredded or cubed, rotisserie recommended
  • 6 slices Bacon Cooked crisp, turkey bacon is a leaner option
For the Crunch
  • 1 cup Celery Diced
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper Diced, use sweet varieties
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Sliced
  • 1 cup Carrots Grated
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cubed, can swap for pepper jack
  • 2 avocados Avocados Add just before serving
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can try Greek yogurt as a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Yogurt can be used as a substitute
For the Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can swap with lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Can omit or swap with honey
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used if needed
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Chopped
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, add macaroni and cook until al dente for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Wash and dice celery and bell pepper, slice green onions, grate carrots, and cube the cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  3. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and crumble.
  4. Shred or cube the cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, cook until fully cooked and let it cool.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Add cooled macaroni to the bowl, then fold in chicken, vegetables, and cheese. Toss gently.
  7. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
  8. Just before serving, fold in avocados and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve alongside a light side like a Grilled Chicken Salad for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!