This creamy chicken pasta salad is one of my favorite chilled dishes to prepare for gatherings, quick lunches, or easy meal prep. I combine tender shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, sweet pineapple tidbits, and macaroni pasta in a rich and tangy dressing that tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator. It is hearty, colorful, and incredibly satisfying for warm days or busy weeks.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how creamy and flavorful this pasta salad turns out with very little effort. The combination of mayonnaise and yogurt creates a smooth dressing that feels rich without being too heavy. I also enjoy the balance of textures from the crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, juicy pineapple, and diced cheddar cheese.
Another reason I keep making this recipe is how versatile it is. I can serve it for lunch, bring it to potlucks, or prepare it ahead for quick meals during the week. Since it tastes even better after chilling, it is a perfect make-ahead dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb chicken breast
1 cup mayonnaise
8 oz macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons condensed milk
1 carrot, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
Black pepper to taste
Directions
I boil the chicken breast in salted water until fully cooked, then shred it and set it aside to cool.
I cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until tender. After draining, I rinse it with cold water and let it cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Then I add the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, carrot, bell pepper, celery, onion, pineapple tidbits, and diced cheddar cheese.
I gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
I cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend beautifully.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the macaroni for rotini or shell pasta for a slightly different texture. When I want extra crunch, I add chopped cucumber or sweet corn. For a sweeter flavor, I like mixing in extra pineapple or a handful of raisins.
If I want a lighter version, I replace part of the mayonnaise with more plain yogurt. I also enjoy adding chopped parsley or fresh dill for a fresh herbal touch.
Storage/Reheating
I store this chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, I usually stir it well because the dressing can thicken slightly as it chills.
Since this is a cold pasta salad, I do not reheat it. I prefer serving it chilled straight from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
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FAQs
Can I make this chicken pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, I actually prefer making it a few hours ahead because the flavors blend together better after chilling in the refrigerator.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breast?
Absolutely. I often use shredded rotisserie chicken when I want to save time and add extra flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
I usually use macaroni, but rotini, shells, or bowtie pasta also work very well because they hold the creamy dressing nicely.
Can I freeze chicken pasta salad?
I do not recommend freezing it because the mayonnaise and yogurt dressing can separate and change texture after thawing.
How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?
I make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing, and sometimes I stir in a spoonful of yogurt or mayonnaise before serving leftovers if needed.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta salad is a comforting and flavorful dish that I can serve for almost any occasion. I love the creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, sweet pineapple, and tender chicken combination that makes every bite satisfying. Whether I prepare it for meal prep, family lunches, or parties, it always becomes a refreshing and filling favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy chicken pasta salad combines tender shredded chicken, macaroni pasta, crunchy vegetables, juicy pineapple, and cheddar cheese in a rich and tangy dressing. It is a refreshing and satisfying make-ahead dish perfect for lunches, gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
8 oz macaroni pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons condensed milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 carrot, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, diced
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breast in salted water until fully cooked. Shred the chicken and let it cool completely.
- Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooled macaroni, shredded chicken, carrot, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, pineapple tidbits, and diced cheddar cheese to the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken can be used instead of boiled chicken breast for extra convenience.
Rotini, shell, or bowtie pasta work well as substitutes for macaroni.
Add chopped cucumber, sweet corn, raisins, or extra pineapple for variation.
For a lighter version, replace some of the mayonnaise with additional plain yogurt.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving if the dressing thickens after chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
