Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy chicken pasta salad is loaded with bold flavors, creamy lemony dressing, and crunchy toppings for the perfect make-ahead lunch or summer side. It comes together in just 30 minutes with pantry and fridge staples! You’ll love the salty bacon, briny artichokes, and crunchy pine nuts in every bite!

 

Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Quick to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes
• Loaded with creamy, savory, lemony flavor and crispy texture in every bite

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Acts as the hearty base of the salad. Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle work great.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Quick and convenient. You can substitute grilled chicken or any leftover chicken.
• Bacon: Brings smoky crunch and saltiness. Pancetta would also work well.
• Baby Arugula: Adds peppery freshness. You can swap with baby spinach or chopped/massaged kale.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Lends savory, nutty flavor. Use Romano or Asiago in its place.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Provide tangy, briny depth. If you can’t find marinated artichoke hearts, use plain canned artichokes.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: Offer buttery crunch. Slivered almonds or chopped walnuts are good substitutes.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Use whichever you prefer for tang. Full-fat yogurt or sour cream is going to give you the best flavor and texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture. Again, full-fat mayo will offer the best flavor and texture.
• Heavy Cream: Thins the dressing to the desired consistency. Half and half would work instead.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley: Brightens the dressing. You can substitute dried parsley or fresh basil.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds mild tang and depth. Stone-ground mustard works too.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Provide brightness and acidity. Bottled lemon juice can be used if needed.
• Olive Oil: Adds smooth body and richness to the dressing. Any neutral oil will work.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herby flavor. You can also use a mix of dried oregano and dried basil.
• Garlic: Adds bold flavor and bite. Grated fresh garlic or garlic paste both work well.

How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil, then let it cool completely.

Combine salad ingredients. To a large bowl, add pasta, chicken, bacon, arugula, Parmesan, artichoke hearts, and pine nuts.

Make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, parsley, Dijon, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and a few good pinches of salt and pepper.

Toss everything together. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Tips for Making Chicken Pasta Salad

• Let the pasta cool before adding other ingredients to prevent wilting the arugula or melting the cheese.
• Adjust dressing thickness with extra heavy cream.
• Make sure to season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper – it flavors the entire salad!

Make-Ahead Instructions

• This pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
• If you’re making it ahead of time, add just half the dressing initially. Then store in the fridge.
• Just before serving toss the salad with the remaining dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Stir before serving and add a splash of cream or lemon juice to loosen up the dressing.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• crispy chicken tenders
• air fryer hot dogs
• easy pulled pork sandwiches
• ham and cheese sliders
• easy cheeseburger sliders

Try these easy pasta salads next!

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