Description

This creamy chicken pasta salad is a true weeknight hero, bringing together tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant spring vegetables in a delightful, tangy dressing. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for a light dinner or a substantial side. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free meal prep option or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain

1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried dill

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces and blanched

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

2. During the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking, add the chopped asparagus to the boiling water with the pasta.

3. Drain the pasta and asparagus in a colander. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

5. Add the cooled pasta and asparagus to the bowl with the dressing. Then, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, thawed frozen peas, finely diced red onion, and fresh chopped parsley.

6. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

7. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: main dish
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Protein: 32

Keywords: pasta salad, chicken, spring vegetables, creamy, easy, meal prep, potluck, high protein, quick, cold