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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Family Favorite

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful summer dish that pleases a crowd with its smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Can substitute with rotini, shells, or penne.
  • Salt Use as needed to taste.
For the Chicken & Bacon
  • 2 cups Chicken (shredded or cubed) Choose from poached, grilled, or roasted chicken.
  • 6 slices Bacon Crisp before mixing in or substitute with turkey bacon.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Celery Can be swapped with bell pepper if desired.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any color works.
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions Shallots can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Carrots (grated) Omit for a simpler salad.
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Replace with Monterey Jack or preferred cheese.
  • 1 medium Avocados Add just before serving to prevent browning.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt works well for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can swap with more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Feel free to use white vinegar as an alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can substitute if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Omit if incorporating sweet vegetables.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika is a great alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill Parsley can substitute or omit entirely.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • serving bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once perfectly crisp, remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. If your chicken isn't pre-cooked, poach, grill, or roast until fully cooked—this will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the method. Once cooked, allow to cool slightly before shredding or cubing.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a large serving bowl, gently combine the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, and all of the prepared vegetables including celery, bell pepper, green onions, and grated carrots.
  6. Pour your creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
  7. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  8. Right before serving, fold in the diced avocados and crumbled bacon, adjusting seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best leftovers, add avocados right before serving to prevent browning.

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