This Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of tender chicken, crunchy apples, and sweet grapes, all tossed with pasta. It’s a colorful dish that makes lunch or dinner exciting!
It’s so simple to make, you’ll want to whip it up every week! I love adding a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch. Perfect for hot days or picnics—who wouldn’t want to chow down on this? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: Farfalle is fun and adds texture. If you’re looking for a change, you can use any pasta type you like, such as rotini or penne. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if needed!
Cooked Chicken: I usually use rotisserie chicken for its delicious flavor and ease. Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works well too. For a lighter version, you could even swap in chickpeas!
Red Grapes: The sweetness of red grapes is fantastic, but you can substitute with diced apples or even dried cranberries for a different take on the flavors. Just tweak the dressing if you’re using tart fruits.
Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add great crunch. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be good replacements!
Greek Yogurt: Mixing mayonnaise and Greek yogurt gives creaminess with a hint of tang. You can replace the yogurt with sour cream or use all mayo if you prefer a richer flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta correctly is key to a tasty salad. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Use plenty of salted water when boiling—this promotes flavor.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight firmness when bitten.
- Rinsing under cold water after draining helps stop the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.
Don’t forget, you want the pasta to hold up to the dressing and ingredients, so avoid overcooking it!
Easy Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. So, you’re looking at a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to prepare the ingredients and let the flavors mingle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Mix the Chicken and Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and toasted sliced almonds. This combination will give your pasta salad a wonderful crunch and sweetness!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and dried parsley. This creamy dressing is what ties all the flavors together!
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta into the bowl with the chicken mixture. Then pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss until all the ingredients are coated well with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully. When ready to serve, you can garnish with additional sliced almonds or parsley if you like. Enjoy your refreshing Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey is a great substitute and adds a delicious twist to the salad. Just shred it similarly to the chicken and follow the recipe as usual.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate a bit.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, you can! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, use vegan mayo, and skip the yogurt. Make sure to check that any other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use a combination of Greek yogurt and avocado for a creamy texture. Alternatively, tahini or hummus can also work for a different flavor and creamy consistency.
