Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing and hearty pasta salad that makes a perfect meal for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings.
recipesbynani.comThere is something so satisfying about a big bowl of pasta salad filled with fresh vegetables and tender chicken. It is a family favorite at my house because it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. I love serving this on warm days when nobody wants to spend too much time over a hot stove.
My top tip for this recipe is to make sure you salt your pasta water well before cooking. It really builds flavor into the noodles from the inside out. You can also swap in your favorite garden vegetables based on what you have in the crisper drawer.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- 2
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set it aside to drain completely.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- 4
Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and peas to the bowl with the dressing.
- 5
Stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
💡 Tips
This salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If it looks a little dry after being chilled, just stir in a small spoonful of extra mayonnaise or a splash of water to loosen the dressing before serving.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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