Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with rotisserie chicken and sweet red grapes. It’s the perfect choice for potlucks and picnics, ready in about 30 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 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 celery stalks, 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, to serve

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook for one minute longer than the package directions instruct. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the creamy dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, grainy mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
3. Combine the salad: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped celery, green onions, halved grapes, fresh parsley, and fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Fold everything together gently until well combined.
4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad until you are ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle with the toasted almonds and serve on a bed of butter lettuce, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent mushy pasta? The recipe’s trick of slightly overcooking the pasta and then rinsing it in cold water is key. Pasta firms up as it gets cold, so this method ensures it has the perfect texture in the finished salad.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. For the best texture, wait to add the toasted almonds until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
• How do I toast almonds? You can toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
• Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Rotini, farfalle (bowties), or medium shells are all excellent choices for this salad as they have nooks and crannies that hold the creamy dressing well.

What To Serve With Chicken Pasta Salad

This is a hearty salad that can easily be a standalone meal, but it also pairs well with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Crusty bread or croissants
• A glass of crisp iced tea or lemonade

How To Store Chicken Pasta Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the dressing, so it may seem less creamy the next day, but it will still be delicious.

Chicken Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Ala King
• Pioneer Woman Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Author: Hamdi Saidani Cooking Method:No-Cook Cuisine:American Courses:Salads

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: 30 minutesTotal time:1 hour Servings:10 servingsCalories:480 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A creamy and refreshing pasta salad loaded with tender chicken, sweet grapes, and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. penne pasta
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. grainy dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. lemon zest u0026 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 2 cups red grapes, halved
• 3/4 cup chopped parsley u0026 1/4 cup fresh dill
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Cook penne one minute longer than package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and all seasonings.
3. Add the cooled pasta, chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, parsley, and dill to the dressing.
4. Fold everything together until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Top with toasted almonds just before serving.

Notes

u003cliu003eUsing rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t skip the fresh herbs; the parsley and dill add a crucial fresh, bright flavor to the salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eRinsing the pasta in cold water is an important step. It stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which prevents the salad from becoming gummy.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.u003c/liu003e

Keywords:Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe