Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
This creamy macaroni chicken pasta salad is an easy 15-minute recipe made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy mayo dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer dinners.
Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
If you open my refrigerator during the summer, there is almost always some kind of pasta salad inside. Cold pasta salad is perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, and backyard cookouts.
I love making a new pasta salad every week during the warmer months. It is something I can grab for a quick lunch or serve alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken when friends and family come over.
This Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad is creamy, simple, and packed with flavor. It combines leftover chicken, tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing that pulls everything together. It is also one of those recipes that gets even better after it chills in the refrigerator for a bit.
If you are looking for an easy side dish that feeds a crowd, this one is a winner.
Recipe Snapshot
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
CHILL TIME: 30 minutes
SERVINGS: 10
BEST FOR: cookouts, meal prep, and quick lunches
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad
Ingredients for Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
This recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create a creamy, flavorful pasta salad.
12 ounces pasta (cooked until al dente):Â Pasta forms the base of the salad and holds the dressing. I used cavatappi because the ridges grab onto the creamy sauce, but elbow macaroni or rotini also work well.
2 cups cooked chicken thighs, chopped:Â Adds hearty protein and flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, shredded chicken, or leftover chicken breast.
1 cup chopped celery:Â Brings a crisp crunch that balances the creamy dressing.
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½ cup diced red onion: Adds a little bite and extra flavor.
¾ cup shredded carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and a little texture.
1 cup mayonnaise:Â The creamy base of the dressing that coats the pasta.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard:Â Adds tangy flavor and depth to the dressing.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar:Â Brightens the dressing and balances the richness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth and seasoning.
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Best Pasta Shapes for Chicken Pasta Salad
While you can technically use almost any pasta, certain shapes work better than others.
The best pasta shapes are the ones that hold onto the dressing with curves and ridges. Great options include:
Cavatappi
Elbow macaroni
Rotini
Small shells
Short pasta shapes work best because the dressing can coat every bite.
How to Make Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
This recipe comes together quickly and only requires a couple of mixing bowls.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions to an al dente doneness. Rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, celery, red onion, and shredded carrots to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Stir until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The Secret to Extra Creamy Pasta Salad
A few small tricks can make a big difference when it comes to pasta salad.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes soft and can fall apart when mixed.
- Salt your pasta water well. This is the only chance the pasta has to absorb seasoning from the inside.
- Do not skip the chill time. Pasta salad tastes better once it has had time to sit.
Easy Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
- Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad – Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad – Replace the Dijon mustard and vinegar with ranch dressing.
- Cheddar Chicken Pasta Salad – Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
- Bacon Chicken Pasta Salad – Crispy bacon bits add smoky flavor and extra texture.
Add-ins That Taste Great in This Pasta Salad
You can mix in additional ingredients to change things up. Here are some of my favorites:
- diced pickles
- sweet peas
- chopped bell peppers
- shredded cheddar cheese
- hard-boiled eggs
- chopped green onion
- bacon bits
This is a great way to clean out the refrigerator and create a slightly different pasta salad every time.
What to Serve with Chicken Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can be a main course on its own for lunch or a light dinner. It also pairs well with so many summer meals. Try serving it with:
grilled burgers
hot dogs
sloppy joes
barbecue chicken
pulled pork sandwiches
grilled corn on the cob
It is also perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard cookouts.
How to Store Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The pasta salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Stir before serving and add a little extra mayonnaise if needed to refresh the dressing.
Freezing is not recommended since mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate when thawed.
Common Mistakes When Making Pasta Salad
A few small mistakes can affect the texture of your pasta salad.
Avoid these common issues:
Overcooking the pasta
Not seasoning the pasta water
Skipping chill time
Using too little dressing
When done right, pasta salad should be creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced.
FAQs about Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
The Perfect Summer Pasta Salad
This creamy macaroni chicken pasta salad is one of those recipes that always disappears quickly at our house. It is simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for everything from quick lunches to backyard cookouts.
During the summer months, I love keeping a big bowl of pasta salad in the refrigerator. It makes lunchtime easy and is the perfect side dish to serve with grilled burgers or hot dogs when friends stop by.
Once you try it, you may find yourself making a new pasta salad every week too.
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Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked pasta I used cavatappi.
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ¾ cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Rinse in cold water then srain well and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, celery, diced red onion, and shredded carrots. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Notes
Easy Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.- Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad – Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad –Â Replace the Dijon mustard and vinegar with ranch dressing.
- Cheddar Chicken Pasta Salad –Â Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.
- Bacon Chicken Pasta Salad –Â Crispy bacon bits add smoky flavor and extra texture.
Add-ins That Taste Great in This Pasta Salad
You can mix in additional ingredients to change things up. Here are some of my favorites:- diced pickles
- sweet peas
- chopped bell peppers
- shredded cheddar cheese
- hard-boiled eggs
- chopped green onion
- bacon bits
