Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

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This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is everything you want in a hearty side or light main dish. It’s packed with tender chunks of chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a luscious creamy dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re making it for a family picnic, meal prep, or a quick lunch, this salad hits all the right notes.

What makes this salad a go-to is its flexibility. You can customize the veggies, switch up the pasta, or even use rotisserie chicken to save time. The creamy dressing has just the right balance of tang and richness, making every bite refreshing yet satisfying.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Chicken Pasta Salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie are perfect here because they hold the creamy dressing well and are easy to scoop. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they don’t hold up well and are harder to mix evenly.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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How To Make the Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil your chosen pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, celery, red bell pepper, onion, and peas. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

This salad is best served cold and makes a wonderful make-ahead dish. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it starts to dry out, a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk can revive the creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?

Be sure the pasta is completely cooled before adding the dressing. Also, letting it chill helps absorb flavor without losing moisture.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter option, and it still gives a nice tang.

What other veggies can I add?

Try diced cucumber, corn, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free mayo and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free version.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Unfortunately, no. The texture of pasta and creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well after freezing.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken pasta salad, check out these other crowd-pleasers:

• Broccoli Salad for something crunchy and fresh.
• Blueberry Peach Feta Salad for a sweet-savory summer option.
• Cottage Cheese Egg Bake if you’re looking for more high-protein lunch prep.
• Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner for a full dinner salad bowl.
• One Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta if you’re craving warm, creamy comfort food.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can whip it up again anytime.

And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear about your version. Did you spice up the dressing? Add some bacon or avocado? Drop your tips or questions in the comments—we’re all in this kitchen together!

Want more recipe inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes where I post daily ideas you’ll love.

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