If you are searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, you have to try this Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp, fresh veggies all brought together with a luscious, tangy dressing that feels like a hug for your taste buds. Whether it’s a family picnic, potluck, or just a delightful weeknight treat, this dish covers all the bases with a rich, creamy coating that never overwhelms but instead enhances every vibrant ingredient. Trust me, once you make it, it will become your go-to dish for every occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful symphony of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing its role to create a blend of satisfying flavors, textures, and colors. Every component adds a special touch, from the creamy, tangy dressing to the crispy bacon bits.
- 500g / 1 lb macaroni / elbow pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold the creamy dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp salt: Used to season the pasta cooking water, ensuring your pasta is flavorful right from the start.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or finely chopped, this is the hearty protein that makes the salad truly satisfying.
- 150g / 5 oz bacon: Chopped and cooked to crispy perfection, it adds crunch and smoky depth.
- 2 celery stalks: Finely sliced for a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
- 1 red capsicum / bell pepper: Diced finely, providing a sweet pop of color and taste.
- 2 green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 2 medium carrots: Shredded with a box grater to add sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar, tasty, or Colby work beautifully to bring creamy richness.
- 2 avocados (optional): Cut into bite-sized pieces for creaminess and a buttery texture that complements the salad.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Whole egg mayo like Hellmann’s adds the foundational creaminess to the dressing.
- 1 cup sour cream: Full fat for tang and to lighten the richness without overpowering.
- 3 tbsp cider vinegar: Adds the perfect zing, balancing the creaminess with acidity.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A touch of sharpness for character in the dressing.
- 4 tsp sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder: For depth and a subtle hint of warmth.
- 2 tsp salt: To season the dressing and enhance all flavors.
- 1 tsp pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a mild spicy kick.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and adding the salt. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente–this means it should still have a slight bite to avoid becoming mushy in the salad. Drain the pasta well and let it cool completely, either at room temperature or slightly chilled. This step is important because warm pasta can make your salad watery.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
While the pasta cooks and cools, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Let this dressing rest for at least 10 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld together and develop the perfect tangy, creamy balance that’s the heart of the Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon into a cold non-stick skillet, then turn on medium-high heat. Cooking the bacon from cold helps render the fat evenly and crisp it up without burning. Fry until golden and crisp, then transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. This smoky, crunchy bacon takes the salad to the next level and is worth every second of waiting.
Step 4: Toss All the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the cooked chicken, celery, red capsicum, green onions, carrots, shredded cheese, and avocado pieces if you’re using them. Add most of the cooked bacon, saving some for a finishing touch. Pour the creamy dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly so every bite is coated in that luscious dressing. This is the magic moment where all the flavors begin to harmonize beautifully in the Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe.
Step 5: Let It Set
Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes for the flavors to meld perfectly and the dressing to soak into the pasta and chicken. Then transfer to your favorite serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top for that irresistible finale crunch. Your dish is now ready to wow everyone with its rich texture and vibrant flavors!
Step 6: Storage
This Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option. For the best flavor and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving. This salad truly shines when the ingredients stand a bit and the flavors deepen with time.
How to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top. You could also add a light dusting of paprika for color or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten up the richness when squeezed over the salad just before eating.
Side Dishes
Pair with simple green salads or steamed vegetables for a full, balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic toast works wonders alongside, offering a deliciously crunchy companion to scoop up any leftover creamy dressing. This makes the whole meal hearty and satisfying without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, serve the Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe in individual mini mason jars or pretty glass bowls. You can also layer the salad with the dressing at the bottom and pasta mixture on top, then toss just before serving for an elegant surprise. Adding edible flowers as decoration can impress your guests visually as well!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may thicken or settle slightly with time.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen, as the creamy dressing and avocado do not freeze well and could become watery or mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just let refrigerated leftovers sit out for 15–20 minutes to lose their chill and regain their perfect flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works great, you can use rotini, penne, shells, or any pasta you like. Just make sure the shape can hold onto the creamy dressing well.
Is it okay to omit the bacon?
Definitely. Bacon adds smokiness and crunch, but if you prefer a vegetarian version or want to keep it lighter, you can leave it out or substitute with crispy toasted nuts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting the salad chill for at least 20 minutes helps develop the flavors. It’s perfect to prepare a few hours ahead or even the day before a gathering.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want to lighten the dressing, Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and sour cream can be used instead of mayonnaise, but this will change the texture slightly.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Adding avocado just before serving helps prevent browning. Alternatively, toss the avocado pieces in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking longer.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe is truly a gift when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and all the comfort food vibes you could ask for, yet it feels fresh and light on the palate. I promise once you make it, this salad will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation—you’ll want to share it with everyone you know!
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Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is both satisfying and versatile.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 500g / 1 lb macaroni / elbow pasta (or other pasta of choice)
- 1 tbsp salt (for pasta cooking water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 celery stalks, finely sliced
- 1 red capsicum / bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, or Colby)
- 2 small/medium avocados, cut into bite-size pieces (optional)
Bacon
- 150g / 5 oz bacon, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise (whole egg preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat or low fat)
- 3 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a cold non-stick skillet. Turn the stove on to medium-high heat and cook the bacon until it is golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the shredded chicken, celery, red capsicum, green onions, carrots, shredded cheese, and avocados if using. Reserve some bacon pieces for garnish.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the reserved bacon pieces, and serve. This salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- The bacon can be cooked in a skillet starting from a cold pan to ensure even rendering of fat and crispiness.
- Avocados are optional; adding them gives a creamy texture and fresh flavor.
- You can substitute macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Use whole egg mayonnaise for richer dressing, but low-fat options are acceptable.
- The salad improves in flavor if allowed to rest before serving.
- Bring the salad to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience if stored in the fridge.
