This Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy apples, walnuts, and pasta, all dressed in a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how colorful and crunchy this salad is, making it fun to eat. Plus, it’s super easy to make, just cook, mix, and enjoy. Who says salads can’t be a little exciting? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: Farfalle is great for this dish, but you can switch it out for any pasta shape you like—penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta work well!
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or tofu can substitute nicely for protein.
Grapes: Red grapes are sweet and add crunch. You can swap them for diced apples for a different twist, especially if you want a little zing!
Almonds: Sliced almonds bring a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are great options to add texture.
Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: For a lighter dressing, use all Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you prefer. This way, you can customize the creaminess just how you like it.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Getting the pasta just right is key to a good salad. Make sure to cook it until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Follow package instructions for cooking time but check it a minute or two early, as it will keep cooking when you rinse it.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
This method will keep your pasta from getting mushy in the salad!
Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of chill time. So, you can have it ready in under an hour! Perfect for a quick meal or potluck.
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Toasting the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them! Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool.
3. Mixing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and toasted almonds. Toss everything together gently so all the ingredients are well mixed.
4. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss again to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Make sure everything is coated for the best flavor!
6. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Serving:
Once chilled, serve the Waldorf chicken pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic main dish or a delightful side dish, especially on a warm day. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Enjoy your flavorful and crunchy Waldorf chicken pasta salad!
FAQ
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the chicken and add it directly to the salad. It adds great flavor and makes the preparation even quicker!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes even better after it sits for a while, as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can simply use all mayonnaise instead, or even substitute with sour cream for a similar tangy flavor. If you want a healthier option, plain yogurt is also a great alternative!
