Description
Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly balances creamy and crunchy textures, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or quick family meals. This easy-to-make salad combines tender chicken with al dente pasta and a zesty dressing that elevates its flavor profile. With the added benefits of being rich in protein and customizable to your taste, this salad is not only delicious but also practical for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors meld, and enjoy a refreshing side or main dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4–1/2 cup diced onions (preferably red)
- 1/4–1/2 cup diced celery
- 16–20 oz cooked and diced chicken
- 2–3 hard boiled eggs (diced)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), mustard, pickle relish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooled pasta, diced celery, onions, chicken, and boiled eggs to the dressing. Mix gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg