Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe – A Quick & Easy Delight for Lunch or Snacks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 5
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Cuisine: American
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1 Review)
Calories: 198.5 per serving
Description
Looking for a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make lunch? This Chicken Pasta Salad is a family favorite that’s perfect for a quick meal, especially when you’re in a time crunch. You can use leftover chicken or canned chicken, making it even more convenient. Tossed with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and green olives, this salad is balanced with flavors and textures that everyone will love. Add fresh cherry or grape tomatoes and serve with some crispy crackers for a delightful lunch. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a simple lunch, this recipe has been passed down through generations and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cooked and chopped) | 1 breast |
| Celery (finely chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Green onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Green olives (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Elbow macaroni (uncooked) | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise (for creaminess) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Season-All salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198.5 kcal |
| Fat | 5.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 22.5 mg |
| Sodium | 181.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25.7 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.3 g |
| Protein | 11.3 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Place the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped chicken, celery, green onions, and sliced green olives to the pasta.
-
Add the Dressing: Pour in the mayonnaise and sprinkle the Season-All salt, salt, and ground black pepper over the mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients until they’re evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
-
Chill or Serve Immediately: The salad is now ready to be served! For a cooler option, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, or serve immediately for a refreshing, quick meal.
Tips and Variations
- For a Little Extra Crunch: Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even a handful of sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- For a Zesty Twist: Try stirring in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice for a tangy edge.
- Make It Even Creamier: If the salad seems too dry after mixing, simply add more mayonnaise, a spoonful at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Swap the Pasta: If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or even quinoa for a different texture.
- Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken, but if you’re short on time, canned chicken works just as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate easy-to-make lunch that satisfies your hunger without taking up too much time. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick but tasty. The fresh ingredients like celery and green onions bring a burst of crunch, while the creamy mayo dressing ties it all together. It’s a versatile dish you can easily modify to suit your preferences, and it’s ideal for meal prepping or making ahead for picnics, BBQs, or even a family reunion. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with some crackers for that extra bit of crunch.
Enjoy This Recipe from Love With Recipes
We hope this Chicken Pasta Salad adds a bit of comfort and joy to your day. If you loved this recipe, feel free to share it with your friends and family, or leave a review below. Don’t forget to check out our other easy and delicious lunch ideas on Love With Recipes. Happy cooking!
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