Pasta salads are a staple for any summer gathering, and when you add juicy chicken to the mix, it’s a match made in heaven. But why settle for the same old boring recipes when you can try something new? In this article, we’ll be sharing 17 delicious and creamy chicken pasta salad recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
From classic combinations like cream cheese and avocado to bold flavors like buffalo ranch and Thai peanut, there’s a recipe on this list for everyone. And the best part? Each of these salads is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and serve up a salad that will be the talk of the town.
Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad
Add a twist to your pasta salad game with this refreshing recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the tanginess of chicken and pasta. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this Greek-inspired recipe combines the creaminess of yogurt with the savory flavors of chicken and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie or penne)
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, Greek yogurt, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Salad
Brighten up your day with this refreshing pasta salad featuring succulent chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bow tie or penne work well)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooked chicken, olive oil, and pasta to the bowl. Toss until well combined.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
Get ready for a creamy, crunchy, and savory pasta salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner! This Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad combines the flavors of smoky bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and tender chicken with al dente pasta and fresh veggies.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bowtie pasta
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 6 slices of bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
A creamy and spicy twist on traditional pasta salad, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bowtie pasta
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch dressing. Mix until coated.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss with the chicken mixture.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and toss again.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
A flavorful and refreshing salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad combines the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a one-dish meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or bow tie)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 2 tbsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken, olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well coated with the Mediterranean-inspired mixture.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad combines the creaminess of pesto with the tanginess of chicken, all wrapped up in a bed of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bowtie pasta
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well combined.
4. Top with cucumber slices and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad
This Sundried Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tbsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; pour over the chicken mixture.
4. Toss gently to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (excluding pasta cooking time)
BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
Elevate your BBQ game with this mouth-watering pasta salad that combines the richness of grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. penne pasta
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional pasta salad, this recipe combines the tanginess of sriracha with the comfort of chicken and pasta. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or bow-tie)
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce and olive oil.
3. Add cooked chicken, chopped cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using) to the bowl.
4. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until coated with the spicy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mango Lime Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, this recipe combines juicy chicken, tangy lime juice, and sweet mango to create a flavorful and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie or penne)
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup diced fresh mango
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, mixed greens, and diced mango.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken-mango mixture and toss to coat.
5. Add cooked pasta and toss gently to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ceasar Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on a classic pasta salad, this dish combines the flavors of tender chicken, tangy Caesar dressing, and al dente pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bowtie pasta
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Pour Caesar dressing over the top and toss to coat.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss again to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including cooking time)
Dill Pickle Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this recipe combines the tanginess of dill pickles with the creaminess of chicken and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped pickled dill pickle slices
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, dill, pickled dill pickle slices, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until coated with the chicken mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if using).
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Pasta Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of cranberries, walnuts, and chicken with a hint of tanginess, making it perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Toss gently to combine.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until well coated with the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad combines the creamy richness of peanut sauce with the savory flavors of grilled chicken and crunchy vegetables, all tossed together with al dente pasta. A perfect potluck dish or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp. peanut oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Grill the chicken breast until cooked through; let cool.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture in a large bowl.
6. Pour in peanut sauce and toss to coat; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Salad
A flavorful and satisfying pasta salad that combines cooked chicken, garlic, parmesan cheese, and linguine noodles with a hint of Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine noodles
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook linguine noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, garlic, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
3. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Add cooked linguine noodles to the bowl and toss until well coated with the chicken mixture.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Pasta Salad
This sweet and tangy pasta salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy balsamic glaze makes it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 8 oz pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Grill or cook chicken breast until cooked through. Slice into strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. Add cooked pasta and chicken strips to the bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious and satisfying treat with these 17 creamy chicken pasta salad recipes! From classic combinations like Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad to international twists like Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad, there’s something for everyone. These easy-to-make salads are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With flavors ranging from garlic parmesan to buffalo chicken, you’ll never get bored with these creamy pasta salad recipes.
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