This Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, crunchy apples, and creamy dressing all tossed with pasta for a tasty meal. It’s colorful, fresh, and perfect for a picnic!
I love making this salad because it’s super quick and looks fancy too! Plus, the mix of sweet and crunchy makes it hard to resist. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle gives a fun shape to the salad. If you don’t have it, any pasta like rotini or penne works just as well!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is key, but you could use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover turkey is also a great option!
Grapes: Red seedless grapes add sweetness and color. Green grapes can be used if you prefer a slight tartness. Diced apples are a tasty substitute too!
Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds add crunch. If you need nut-free, sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds work nicely.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and tang. If you want a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt and skip the mayo. Vegan alternatives are available for dairy-free options.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta may seem simple, but getting it just right is important for the texture. Here’s how:
- Use plenty of water in a large pot—this helps prevent sticking.
- Add salt to the water once it’s boiling; it enhances flavor.
- Stir the pasta during the first few minutes of cooking to keep it from sticking.
- Cook until al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm when bitten.
- After draining, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, especially for salad.
With these tips, you’ll always have perfectly cooked pasta for your salad!
Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 15-20 minutes of active prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. It’s super quick to throw together but waits patiently in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the bowtie pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—soft but with a little bite! Then, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps cool it down and keeps it from getting gummy. Set aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and toasted sliced almonds. This colorful mix is not only eye-catching but also packed with flavor and texture!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey (if you like it sweet), salt, black pepper, and dill (if using). Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings everything together!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything until it’s well combined. You want every bite to be coated in that yummy dressing!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time lets the flavors develop and merge beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste. If you like, you can add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
This salad combines the classic Waldorf flavors of sweet grapes and crunchy celery with tender chicken and pasta, making it a perfect hearty and refreshing meal for warm days and any gathering.
FAQ about Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this salad and saves you time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it into the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
For a lighter version, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt. You can also skip the honey for reduced sugar or add more fresh veggies like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?
Yes, you can! This salad holds up well in the fridge, and letting it chill overnight allows the flavors to meld. Just give it a good stir before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you may want to stir in a splash of yogurt or a little extra dressing before serving again.
