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Quick Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes for Every Occasion
Youssef Hb

Quick Chicken Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

A hearty yet healthy chicken pasta salad with a tangy dressing balanced for bold flavor. Perfect as a meal or side dish, this kid-approved recipe combines al dente pasta, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Comfort
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Macaroni/Elbow Pasta 500g (1 lb)
  • Salt 1 tbsp (for cooking)
  • Shredded Chicken 3 cups
  • Turkey Bacon 150g (5 oz)
  • Mayonnaise 1 cup
  • Sour Cream ½ cup
  • Vinegar 2 tbsp
  • Dijon Mustard 1 tbsp
  • Garlic Powder 1 tsp
  • Cherry Tomatoes 1 cup
  • Cucumber, diced ½ cup
  • Bell Pepper, chopped ½ cup
  • Red Onion, finely chopped ¼ cup

Method
 

  1. Bring 5L water to a boil in a pot; add 1 tsp salt and cook pasta to al dente
  2. In a cold pan on medium heat, fry turkey bacon until golden; chop
  3. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a bowl
  4. Toss cooked pasta with chicken, vegetables, and cooked turkey bacon
  5. Chill the salad for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving

Notes

Use room-temperature chicken to avoid moisture from cooked leftovers
Let the dressing rest for exactly 10 minutes before mixing
Add raw red onion (optional) for brightness before chilling
For vegan/halal versions, substitute sour cream with almond milk yogurt (see source for details)