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Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
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Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad: Easy Meal Prep Magic

Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors with this Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for meal prep and casual gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Cooling Time15 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken salad, creamy salad, Easy Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Meal Prep, Pasta Salad
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1.5 cups cooked pasta (shells or rotini) Consider whole grain for added fiber.

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced Rotisserie chicken can save prep time.

For the Sweetness

  • 1 cup red grapes, halved Swap with dried fruit for unique texture.

For the Crunch

  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced Shallots or green onions can be good substitutes.
  • 0.33 cup roasted peanuts or slivered almonds Alternative options include sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas.

For the Dressing

  • 0.25 cup sour cream For a lighter touch, use Greek yogurt.
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise Try vegan mayo for a non-dairy version.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Brings tang that elevates the flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a subtle garlic taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Introduces a hint of spice to the dish.

For the Freshness

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Replace with cilantro or dill if desired.

Instructions

How to Make Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

  • In a large pot of salted water, boil the pasta until just al dente—about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
  • While the pasta cools, dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, halve the grapes, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chicken, grapes, red onion, and parsley together until evenly mixed.
  • Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently fold it all together until well-coated.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle in the roasted peanuts or slivered almonds to keep them crunchy.
  • Enjoy your pasta salad chilled from the fridge for the best flavors.

Notes

Optional: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for an extra burst of freshness.