Description
This delicious Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for your next cookout, combining tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, and crunchy almonds all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and great for serving chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Rotisserie chicken can save time)
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (Cook to al dente)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 cup Celery (Chopped; can substitute with apples)
- 1/2 cup Green Onions (Can substitute with red onions)
- 1 cup Red Seedless Grapes (Can substitute with dried cranberries)
Nuts & Dressing
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (Can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Coarse Ground Pepper (Adjust according to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley (Fresh parsley can enhance the taste)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace for easy access and efficiency.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil chicken in salted water for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Drain and allow the chicken to cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and cool it completely to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without breaking them down.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and blend well. Gently fold in the red seedless grapes, cooled pasta, and sliced almonds to combine everything together without crushing the ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, sprinkle additional pepper if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful cookout side dish.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time on cooking.
- Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.
- Substitute celery with apples for a sweeter crunch.
- Try red onions instead of green onions for a stronger onion flavor.
- Walnuts or pecans can be used in place of sliced almonds for different nutty flavors.
- Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste at cookouts.
