This easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, juicy grapes, and a zesty dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. You can easily customize it with common ingredients, making it a versatile option for any occasion!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 1 cup plain yogurt (not Greek)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- Butter lettuce (optional, for serving)
How To Make Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 1 minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
- Serve: Sprinkle the salad with toasted almonds just before serving. If desired, serve on a bed of butter lettuce for added texture and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Cook the pasta perfectly: Slightly overcook the pasta by 1 minute so it holds the creamy dressing better without drying out.
- Chill the salad: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and gives the salad a delightful crunch.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add vibrant flavor, so avoid using dried substitutes for the best results.
- Add grapes at the end: Mix the grapes gently at the end to avoid smashing them and keep the salad looking fresh and appetizing.
How To Store Leftovers
Put leftovers chicken pasta salad in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 370mg
- Potassium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
This easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, juicy grapes, and a zesty dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. You can easily customize it with common ingredients, making it a versatile option for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 1 minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
- Serve: Sprinkle the salad with toasted almonds just before serving. If desired, serve on a bed of butter lettuce for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cook the pasta perfectly: Slightly overcook the pasta by 1 minute so it holds the creamy dressing better without drying out.
- Chill the salad: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and gives the salad a delightful crunch.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add vibrant flavor, so avoid using dried substitutes for the best results.
- Add grapes at the end: Mix the grapes gently at the end to avoid smashing them and keep the salad looking fresh and appetizing.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe