Description
This Delicious Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for your next cookout. Combining tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds tossed in a creamy lemon mayo dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken can save time)
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (Cook to al dente)
Vegetables & 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 & Dressing
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
- 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 prep all ingredients by chopping the celery, slicing the green onions, and rinsing the grapes.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil chicken in salted water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from water, drain well, and allow to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and blend well to coat everything evenly. Gently fold in the grapes, cooked pasta, and sliced almonds to maintain their textures.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the salad into a serving dish, sprinkle a little extra pepper on top if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save cooking time.
- Celery can be substituted with chopped apples for a sweeter twist.
- Green onions can be swapped with red onions if preferred.
- Sliced almonds can be replaced with walnuts or pecans for different nutty flavors.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for an enhanced taste.
- Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
