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Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad

Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad

Melisha Kreppein
This creamy Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and easy lunches. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, crisp celery, red onion, and shredded carrots, then coated in a simple tangy mayonnaise dressing. It comes together in about 15 minutes and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 263 kcal

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 - 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

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 10gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 311mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1677IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Macaroni Chicken Pasta Salad
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