Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful and satisfying dish, perfect for lunch or a light dinner, combining tender chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh veggies in a creamy dressing.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chicken and Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2/3 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pasta and Veggies
- 8 oz small pasta such as Ditalini or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 large ripe avocado diced
- 3 stalks green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chicken, onion powder, Italian herbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until chicken is well coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 7-10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and additional salt to taste to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, arugula, cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, avocado, and green onions. Gently toss to combine.
- Slice the cooled chicken and add it to the pasta mixture, followed by the dressing. Toss until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For an added crunch, try topping with toasted pine nuts or walnuts. This salad can be made a day in advance; just add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.