Classic Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: A Perfect Picnic Dish

A creamy, refreshing side that balances sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and tangy dressing.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A creamy, refreshing side that balances sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and tangy dressing.

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the simplicity of a pasta salad and the creamy comfort of classic chicken salad, you’re in luck. This chicken pasta salad recipe elegantly combines the best elements of both, resulting in a chilled, crave-worthy side that’s just as suitable for a summer barbecue as it is for your weekly meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Salad

This recipe pays homage to timeless deli-counter favorites by bringing together shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, toothsome pasta, and a velvety yogurt-mayo dressing. Whether you present it on butter lettuce leaves for a sophisticated touch or serve it family-style, each forkful delivers a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.

Quick and convenient: Makes use of store-bought rotisserie chicken for minimal prep.
Crowd-pleasing: The combination of creamy, savory, and sweet is always a hit at gatherings.
Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in the pantry or to suit dietary needs.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and add finishing touches just before serving.

What’s in Chicken Pasta Salad?

While there’s plenty of room for improvisation, the core of this salad brings together several classic components for a nostalgic and refreshing bite:

Chicken: Tender, juicy shards of rotisserie chicken provide a protein-packed foundation and soak up the flavorful dressing.
Pasta: Bite-size shapes such as shells or rotini are ideal—they hold dressings and mix seamlessly with other ingredients.
Grapes: Red or green grapes lend a burst of juiciness and gentle sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
Celery & Green Onion: For crunch and a subtle aromatic lift.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill invigorate the salad and underscore its freshness.
Almonds: Toasted sliced almonds deliver satisfying crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
Yogurt & Mayonnaise Dressing: Creamy but not heavy, this blend provides a tangy and rich base for all the mix-ins.

Key Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Pasta (small shells, rotini, etc.)	8 ounces	Cook and rinse cold
Rotisserie chicken	3 cups, shredded	White or dark meat
Red grapes	1 cup, halved	Substitute with green grapes if preferred
Celery	2 stalks, sliced thin	For crunch
Green onion	2, sliced
Parsley	2 tbsp, chopped	Fresh
Dill	1 tbsp, chopped	Fresh
Yogurt	1/2 cup	Plain, whole milk
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Dijon mustard	1 tsp
Lemon zest	1 tsp	Freshly grated
Lemon juice	2 tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Kosher salt	1/2 tsp (+ more for pasta water)
Black pepper	1/4 tsp	Freshly ground
Cayenne (optional)	Pinch	For extra kick
Almonds (sliced, toasted)	1/4 cup	Sprinkle before serving
Butter lettuce leaves	For serving, optional	Elegant presentation

Chicken Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook for one minute longer than the package instructions to achieve a slightly softer texture that works well in cold salads.
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until smooth.
Combine Core Ingredients:
- Add cooled pasta, shredded chicken, celery, green onion, grapes, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently fold until everything is evenly coated and distributed—take care not to smash the grapes.
Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted almonds for crunch.
- For an elegant touch, spoon onto butter lettuce leaves or simply serve family-style in a bowl.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Pasta Salad

Always rinse pasta for salads: Rinsing cooked pasta under cold water prevents it from cooking further and sticking together, ensuring a pleasant salad texture.
Chicken choices: Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but feel free to substitute with poached, roasted, or leftover grilled chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer only white meat, buy two rotisserie chickens and reserve the thighs for another use.
Make ahead: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance, but wait to add the toasted almonds until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Customizations: Swap grapes for dried cranberries, sub in walnuts or pecans for almonds, or add diced apples for crunch.
Herb swap: Try tarragon, chives, or basil for a different character.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Packed lunch: Portion into containers for a ready-made office or school lunch.
Picnic star: Bring to cookouts, barbecues, or potlucks—this salad travels well and can be doubled for a crowd.
Lettuce cups: For a daintier, more elegant presentation, spoon onto individual butter lettuce leaves.
Meal prep: Since the salad holds up well in the fridge, it’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or no-fuss weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you rinse pasta after cooking when making pasta salad?

Yes, rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, ensuring the noodles remain pleasantly chewy and don’t clump together in the salad.

What’s the best chicken for chicken pasta salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a top choice due to its tenderness, flavor, and convenience. You can use all white meat or a mix of white and dark meat, depending on preference. Leftover roast or grilled chicken also works well.

Can you make this salad ahead?

Absolutely. It’s best made up to a day ahead so the flavors can fully meld. For the freshest texture, add the toasted almonds and lettuce leaves (if using) just before serving.

What other mix-ins would work well?

Halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness
Chopped apple or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture
Swap nuts: try pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds
Add-ins like feta or goat cheese for tangy creaminess

How long will chicken pasta salad keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If prepping for several days ahead, store the crunchier elements (like nuts or lettuce) separately and add right before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta Salad

For a lighter version: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayo for extra protein and tang.
Boost flavor: Add a splash of white wine vinegar or a pinch of sugar for balance, depending on your ingredient choices.
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta shape.
Prep smart: If using raw chicken, roast or poach with aromatics (like bay leaves and peppercorns) for maximum flavor before shredding.

Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	14g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	420mg

*Values vary with ingredient brands and portions.

Related Recipes to Try

Curried Chicken Pasta Salad — Add curry powder and raisins for a sweet and spicy twist.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad — Toss shredded chicken with creamy Caesar, crunchy romaine, and croutons.
Sunshine Pasta Salad — For a vegetarian spin with lots of colorful vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing.

Final Thoughts

This classic chicken pasta salad bridges comfort and convenience, perfect for feeding a group or making ahead for grab-and-go meals. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite mix-ins, and don’t forget that a generous heap of toasted almonds adds the perfect finishing touch. Serve it on a bed of butter lettuce for summer elegance, or enjoy it straight from the bowl for easy comfort any time of year.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb