Best 6 Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Cold chicken macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. It's a refreshing and flavorful combination of cooked chicken, macaroni, vegetables, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. With so many variations on this classic recipe, it can be challenging to know where to start. This article will provide you with all the information you need to create the perfect cold chicken macaroni salad, from selecting the best ingredients to assembling and serving the dish. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you're sure to find helpful tips and tricks to elevate your cold chicken macaroni salad to the next level.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

OLD-FASHIONED CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Old-Fashioned Chicken Macaroni Salad image

"My sister gave me the recipe for this creamy pasta salad about 25 years ago," Nola Erbe jots from Lodi, Wisconsin. "It's great to make for watching football games on TV. I serve it with potato chips, celery and pickles.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen corn
1 cup cubed cooked chicken
1/4 cup sliced celery
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Cook corn according to package directions; drain and cool. , In a serving bowl, combine the macaroni, corn, chicken, celery, egg, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 175mg cholesterol, Sodium 882mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A very fresh take on pasta salad. Tweak to your liking with different veggies.

Provided by Say-Rah

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 3h21m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons grated onion
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
2 ½ cups water
2 cubes chicken bouillon
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup chopped onion
1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 (14 ounce) can plain artichoke hearts, quartered
1 pint cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, grated onion, seasoned salt, and basil together in a bowl to make dressing. Transfer to the refrigerator.
  • Combine water and chicken bouillon cubes in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until bouillon cubes are dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add chicken breasts and onion; simmer until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a cutting board using a slotted spoon. Reserve broth in the saucepan. Cool chicken until easily handled, 5 to 10 minutes. Chop coarsely.
  • Pour several cups of water into the reserved broth in the saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in vermicelli and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain.
  • Mix dressing, chicken, and vermicelli together in a bowl. Add artichoke hearts and toss to combine. Refrigerate until flavors combine, 2 to 6 hours. Mix in tomatoes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.9 calories, Carbohydrate 39.7 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 898.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

COLD CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Cold Chicken Macaroni Salad image

Cold macaroni salad meets chicken salad... good recipe for leftovers. If you want more flavor add in your favorite fruit, veggie, or whatnot--such as celery, grapes, or frozen green peas. Happy eating.

Provided by Lori Roper

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 each skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
4 cups elbow macaroni
4 large eggs
1 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
4 teaspoons white sugar
4 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon onion salt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
1 pinch ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add chicken; continue to boil until no longer pink in the middle, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit until cool enough to handle, then dice into small bite-sized pieces.
  • While chicken cooks, bring a second large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
  • At the same time, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
  • Mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion salt, salt, mustard, and pepper together in a large bowl. Mix in eggs, pasta, and chicken, adding a little more mayonnaise if too dry. Chill for 1 hour, to overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.5 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 119.6 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 733 mg, Sugar 4 g

COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

Try preparing our Cold Chicken Pasta Salad for your next picnic or potluck. The cheesy ranch dressing in our Cold Chicken Pasta Salad is always a hit.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Holiday & Special Occasion Recipes

Time 3h15m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups rotini pasta, cooked, rinsed
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup each chopped green and red peppers
1/2 cup slivered onions
1 pkg. (6 oz.) OSCAR MAYER CARVING BOARD Flame Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
1 cup KRAFT Three Cheese Ranch Dressing

Steps:

  • Combine pasta, vegetables and chicken in large bowl.
  • Add dressing; mix lightly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 430 mg, Carbohydrate 28 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, Protein 11 g

COLD TUNA OR CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Cold Tuna or Chicken Macaroni Salad image

Even the most basic Macaroni Salad can be heavenly...until people start messing with the "formula" by doing vile things such as adding peas, cheese or worse still, Miracle Whip! I much prefer mayonnaise and assiduously leave out the peas and cheese...In addition I've lightened the original recipe a smidge with lower fat ingredients and whole wheat pasta...Serve over lettuce.

Provided by CookinwithGas

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 2h20m

Yield 6 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup mayonnaise (light or lowfat)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 (8 ounce) package macaroni, cooked & drained (Ronzoni Whole Wheat Pasta)
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 (6 ounce) cans albacore tuna in water or 2 (6 ounce) cans white chicken meat, drained
2/3 cup yellow onion, minced
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the mayo, lemon juice, salt and tabasco sauce; blend well.
  • Add macaroni, tuna or chicken, celery, onion and green pepper, mix well; over and chill 2 hours; toss the salad before serving.
  • Suggestions: Use a different pasta, such as rotini or penne rigate.
  • NOTE: prep time covers the chopping of veggies and cooking of pasta only; cooking time covers the assembly of the salad and chilling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.7, Fat 15.5, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 35.2, Sodium 513.5, Carbohydrate 40.7, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 4.4, Protein 19.7

KALE PASTA SALAD



Kale Pasta Salad image

Great side dish! Or, add shrimp and make this kale pasta salad a complete meal. Loaded with your favorite veggies and plenty of flavor, too.

Provided by Allrecipes

Categories     Pasta Salad

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain pasta well.
  • Combine pasta, kale, carrots, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, bell pepper, and shallot in a bowl. Stir together Greek dressing and mayo in a bowl and drizzle over salad. Mix until well combined.

Tips:

  • To make the chicken macaroni salad more flavorful, use a combination of cooked and rotisserie chicken.
  • If you don't have celery, you can use cucumber instead.
  • For a creamier salad, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
  • If you want a tangy salad, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
  • For a sweeter salad, add 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar.
  • To make the salad ahead of time, cook the chicken and macaroni the day before. Assemble the salad the next day and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Cold chicken macaroni salad is a refreshing and delicious summer dish. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious and crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy summer dish, give cold chicken macaroni salad a try.

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