Best 2 Ultimate Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

If you're looking for a simple, yet delicious and refreshing summer dish that can easily feed a crowd, look no further than the ultimate chicken pasta salad. With tender cooked chicken, a variety of colorful veggies, a handful of fresh herbs, and a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, you can make this tasty dish in just 30 minutes. Be prepared to make a double batch, because this chicken pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next picnic, potluck, or barbecue.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ULTIMATE CHICKEN-PASTA SALAD

Ultimate Chicken-Pasta Salad image

Brunch, box lunch or brown bag? Here's a tasty chicken salad you have to try.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Lunch

Time 2h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 box (16 oz) gemelli pasta
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup sweetened dried cherries
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients with wire whisk until well blended. Cover; refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
In large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, cherries and celery. Mix dressing mixture again with wire whisk to recombine; pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving to chill salad and blend flavors. Stir in almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 58 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 4 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 290 mg, Sugar 17 g, TransFat 0 g

ULTIMATE CHICKEN-PASTA SALAD

Ultimate Chicken-Pasta Salad image

Brunch, box lunch or brown bag? Here's a tasty chicken salad you have to try.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Lunch

Time 2h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 box (16 oz) gemelli pasta
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1 cup sweetened dried cherries
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Steps:

In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients with wire whisk until well blended. Cover; refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
In large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, cherries and celery. Mix dressing mixture again with wire whisk to recombine; pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving to chill salad and blend flavors. Stir in almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 58 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 4 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 290 mg, Sugar 17 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

Use a variety of pasta shapes. This will add visual interest and texture to your salad.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients to your salad.
Choose a good quality dressing. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make chicken pasta salad. Try different ingredients and combinations to find your favorite recipe.

Conclusion:

Chicken pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With so many different recipes to choose from, you are sure to find one that you love.