Cold Chicken Pasta Salad
A refreshing cold chicken pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light lunches with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotelle pasta
- 3 cups cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup diced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup diced seeded tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotelle pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and drain well.
- Add the cubed cooked chicken, diced zucchini, diced seeded tomatoes, and diced celery to the pasta.
- In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, lemon juice, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley; blend until well mixed.
- Chill the dressing, covered, for 1 hour before adding to the salad.
- Toss the salad with the dressing, coating everything evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, which will add a tangy flavor. You can also substitute any leftover cooked protein for chicken, such as turkey or shrimp. If you prefer a crunchier salad, add toasted nuts or seeds. Fresh herbs can be varied; try dill or cilantro for a different twist. This salad is a great use for leftovers and is perfect for potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
This Cold Chicken Pasta Salad makes a delightful main dish for lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with a light side like a garden salad or fresh fruit. It can also serve as a side for grilled meats or sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Squash Casserole(Even Kids Love This!) to balance flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, you may want to add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream to revive the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Chicken Pasta Salad contains roughly 353 calories, with 17g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1837mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to avoid the pasta absorbing too much moisture. Mix in the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
What can I substitute for rotelle pasta?
If you can't find rotelle, feel free to use any short pasta shape, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold onto the dressing and mix well with the salad's other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even chickpeas for protein. This will keep the salad hearty and satisfying while accommodating a vegetarian diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).