An Insanely Easy Cold Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious dish to beat the heat, look no further than this classic cold chicken pasta salad recipe. It’s refreshing, easy to make ahead, and perfect for larger groups, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or even a quick weekday lunch. Bursting with flavors, colors, and a satisfying mix of textures, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to favorite. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love!

Cold Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

The Ingredients

To whip up this quick and easy cold chicken pasta salad recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• Shredded Chicken: Cook two medium chicken breasts and shred or chop them based on your preference. We use pre-chopped rotisserie chicken from Walmart for convenience. This gives our healthy cold pasta salad a hearty base that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Ripe Avocados: Pit and dice two ripe avocados to add a creamy and luscious texture and a burst of rich flavor that will keep you fuller longer.
• Cooked Pasta: Grab pasta with a texture like rotini or a similar option to add volume and cradle the rest of the ingredients.
• Red Onion: I’m dicing up about half a cup of red onion to add crunch and a hint of spiciness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Slice one cup of cherry tomatoes to add little juicy bursts of freshness and infuse the pasta salad with pops of color.
• Basil: Chop half a cup of fresh basil leaves to infuse the salad with a garden-fresh aroma, enhancing the overall taste.

That’s everything you need for the base of the cold chicken pasta salad recipe, but make sure you grab these as well for the dressing we’ll make later.

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

The Instructions

1. Cook The Pasta:
   • Bring a pot of water with a pinch of salt and a dash of oil to a boil.
   • Add in your pasta and cook until al dente.
   • This is where you would cook your chicken and dice or shred it if you aren’t using pre-cooked chicken.
2. Prep The Vegetables:
   • Pit and dice the avocadoes
   • Dice up the red onion into fine pieces.
   • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
   • Roughly chop the basil.
3. Assemble The Pasta Salad:
   • Add your cooked pasta into a large bowl with the chicken and chopped vegetables.
   • Mix up your salad dressing ingredients and pour over top.
   • Add salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning to taste.
   • Mix everything until well incorporated.
4. Serve And Enjoy:
   • Prepare a bowl and sprinkle a bit of fresh basil for garnish.
   • Serve warm or chill and let the flavors marinate for later.

Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This cold chicken pasta salad recipe is a true blessing for busy families seeking a quick and hearty meal option. With its simple preparation steps, even on hectic days, putting together this dish is a breeze. The use of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from Walmart shaves off valuable cooking time, allowing you to focus on assembling the flavors.

Plus, this is one of those recipes that tastes even better as leftovers! Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this is the best chicken pasta salad recipe for busy families or entertaining a crowd.

Best Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

All of your questions about this cold chicken pasta salad recipe answered –

Do You Have To Let Pasta Cool Before Making Pasta Salad?

Nope! When you strain the pasta, rinse it off with a little cold water to prevent it from cooking further and becoming mushy, but adding the dressing while it’s still warm actually helps it to coat the pasta better.

How Do You Keep Pasta Salad From Getting Soggy?

To keep your pasta salad from getting soggy, make sure to only cook your pasta until al dente. Once you add the dressing, the pasta will absorb it and soften up a bit more.

Is It Ok To Make Pasta Salad The Day Before?

Absolutely! Pasta salad is one of those recipes that actually tastes better over time.

And there you have it, an insanely easy cold chicken pasta salad recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy! Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving something tasty, this recipe has your back. So, gather the fam, whip this up, and dig into a bowl of yum!

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