Description
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cooked pasta (shells or rotini)
1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup red grapes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
⅓ cup roasted peanuts or slivered almonds
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. Dice the chicken, halve the grapes, chop the onion and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine the pasta, chicken, grapes, onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold to coat everything evenly.
6. Add roasted peanuts or almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Use rotisserie chicken to cut down prep time and boost flavor.
Always add the nuts last to prevent them from turning soggy in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg