This Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of chicken, pasta, apples, walnuts, and a bit of mayo. It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-refreshing!
This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on warm days. I love how I can throw it together quickly, and it always impresses my friends! 🍏🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle is fun and visually appealing, but you can swap it for other pasta types like rotini or penne. They also work well with the other ingredients.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to since it saves time. If you prefer, cooked turkey or even canned chicken works in this salad.
Grapes: Red seedless grapes are sweet and juicy, but green grapes can add a nice tartness. Diced apples are another great option if you’re looking for a crunch!
Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds add nuttiness. You can easily use walnuts or pecans if you have them on hand, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: The mayo gives creaminess. If you’re watching calories, reduce the mayo and replace it with more Greek yogurt, or try avocado for a healthy twist!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is key to a great salad! Here’s how to do it:
- Boil plenty of water and add a good pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Follow the package cooking time, but check it a minute or two earlier. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite.
- Once done, drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly.
Taking these steps ensures your pasta won’t turn mushy in the salad. Enjoy your prep!
Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Nuts and Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. All in all, you’ll spend about 50 minutes before you can enjoy this delicious salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard when bitten. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to drain thoroughly.
2. Toast the Almonds:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they turn golden and release a lovely nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning! Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and toasted almonds. Mix well to combine all those yummy flavors!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, honey (if you prefer a touch of sweetness), salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Mix & Season:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. It’s a good idea to taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like.
6. Chill:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will help all the flavors come together beautifully!
7. Serve:
After chilling, your Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it cold or at room temperature, and relish the fresh, creamy goodness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or try mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of mustard for extra flavor. Avocado also makes a creamy and healthy alternative!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as the ingredients may settle. If it seems dry, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more yogurt.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like diced apples for crunch, raisins for sweetness, or even chopped walnuts for extra texture. Just keep in mind the balance of flavors!
