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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad: A Dreamy Summer Delight

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad combines creamy dressing, tender pasta, and savory ingredients for a delicious summer dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Macaroni or rotini/penne as substitutes
  • 1 tsp Salt for seasoning pasta water
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken shredded or cubed
  • 8 slices Bacon cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup Celery chopped
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions chopped
  • 1 cup Carrots grated
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese cubed or shredded
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Avocados diced, add just before serving
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise base for creamy dressing
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream for added creaminess
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Large spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes.
  2. Drain and Cool the Pasta: Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Allow to cool.
  3. Cook and Prepare the Bacon: Cook bacon strips in a skillet until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Crumble after draining.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Poach, grill, or roast chicken until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Shred or cube.
  5. Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled macaroni, chicken, bacon, celery, bell pepper, green onions, and carrots.
  7. Add the Dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Rest for Flavor Development: Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  9. Finish with Avocado: Fold in diced avocados just before serving.

Notes

This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be adjusted to personal tastes by swapping ingredients.