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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Satisfy your cravings with this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad. This creamy delight is loaded with fresh veggies and tender chicken, making it an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for meal prep or potlucks, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces gluten-free pasta noodles I use brown rice bow tie noodles
  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
  • ⅔ cup corn
  • ⅔ cup green peas
  • ⅔ cup red pepper
  • ⅓ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 3 stalks green onion chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp avocado oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice or rice vinegar
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • 2 tsp pure maple syrup optional
  • ¾ tsp sea salt to taste

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to use plenty of water; this helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once cooked, strain it into a colander and rinse it well with cold water. This cooling process is essential as it stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, this is a great time to prepare your dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, avocado oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well-combined, creating a creamy dressing that will coat the pasta beautifully.
  3. Next, chop all the fresh vegetables: red pepper, red onion, and the green onions. The corn and peas can be added straight from the bag if they’re frozen, or you can thaw them quickly under warm water.
  4. Once your pasta is cooled, return it to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables, cooked chicken, and the dressing you prepared earlier. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious dressing.
  5. Taste the salad for seasoning, adding more sea salt or lemon juice if needed. This is your chance to make it just right! If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick.
  6. Transfer your salad to a serving bowl or keep it in the mixing bowl, it’s up to you! Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. If you can let it chill for at least four hours, the flavors will meld together beautifully. If you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
  7. When you’re ready to enjoy, give it a good stir again to re-combine everything. The sauce might thicken a bit in the fridge, but that just means it’s packed with flavor!
  8. Serve it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up. This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a showstopper.
  9. Enjoy leftovers for a quick lunch. Just remember, the salad gets more flavorful as it sits, so you’ll be looking forward to that next meal!

Notes

If you have a busy week ahead, prepare your Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad in advance. It keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge.