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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love

Enjoy this creamy chicken pasta salad, packed with flavors from chicken, bacon, and avocado. Perfect for any gathering!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni or rotini or penne
For the Chicken
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken store-bought rotisserie chicken works well
For the Crunch
  • 6 slices Bacon cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup Celery finely diced
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper any color
  • 1 cup Green Onions sliced thinly
  • 1 cup Carrots grated
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese or mild cheddar
  • 2 ripe Avocados diced before serving
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise full-fat recommended
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar to adjust acidity
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill or dried dill
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a boil, add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop celery and bell pepper, slice green onions, and grate carrots, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Drain and Cool Pasta: Drain pasta, rinse it under cold water, and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and crumble.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Poach, grill, or roast chicken until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes, then cool and shred.
  6. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled macaroni, cooked chicken, and all prepared vegetables.
  8. Add the Dressing: Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  9. Finish and Serve: Add crumbled bacon and diced avocados before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of mayonnaise before serving if it seems dry.

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