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Light & Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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This Light & Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender rotisserie chicken, al dente pasta, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini or fusilli), about 2 ½ cups dry
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of rotini or fusilli and cook according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water well.
  2. Prep the chicken: While the pasta cooks, shred 3 cups of rotisserie chicken using two forks or your hands. Pull into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed. Set aside.
  4. Chop the veggies: Dice 2 ribs of celery, 1 medium red bell pepper, and ¼ cup red onion into ¼-inch pieces. Chop ¼ cup fresh parsley.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped celery, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Toss gently: Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to fold everything together until every piece is coated. If it looks dry, add a tablespoon more yogurt or a splash of milk.
  7. Season and rest: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  8. Final touch: Before serving, give it a stir. If too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or lemon juice to loosen. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Season in layers: salt the pasta water, season the dressing, then season the final salad. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes for best flavor. If meal prepping, double the dressing and add extra before serving each day. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, light pasta salad, easy pasta salad, rotisserie chicken pasta salad, 30-minute meal, potluck recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/light-and-creamy-chicken-pasta-salad-easy-30-minute-recipe/