Description
This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. Ideal for cookouts or summer gatherings, this refreshing salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken can save time)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (cook to al dente)
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 cup Celery (chopped; can substitute with apples)
- 1/2 cup Green Onions (can substitute with red onions)
- 1 cup Red Seedless Grapes (can substitute with dried cranberries)
Nuts
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Ground Pepper (adjust according to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (fresh parsley can enhance the taste)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather and prepare all ingredients. Chop the celery and green onions, slice the almonds if not pre-sliced, and rinse the grapes thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil the chicken in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then drain and cool completely before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop cooking.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Combine and Fold: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and mix thoroughly. Gently fold in the grapes, cooked pasta, and sliced almonds to combine all flavors and textures without crushing the ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with additional pepper if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used instead of boiling chicken to save time.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Apples can replace celery for a sweeter crunch.
- Red onions can substitute green onions if preferred.
- Walnuts or pecans can be used instead of sliced almonds.
- Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing to prevent the dressing from melting.
- The salad can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
