Description
Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for family picnics, casual dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is both quick to prepare and enhances in flavor as it chills in the fridge. Whether served as a main course or a side dish at gatherings, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6β8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16β20 oz cooked and diced chicken
- 1/4β1/2 cup diced onions (red onions recommended)
- 1/4β1/2 cup diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the cooled pasta along with diced celery, onions, and cooked chicken.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating bell peppers or nuts like almonds. You can adjust the creaminess by choosing between mayonnaise or Greek yogurt based on your preference.