Description
This Delicious Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente bow tie pasta, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayonnaise dressing. Ideal for your next cookout, picnic, or easy weeknight meal, this refreshing salad balances savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken can save time)
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (cook to al dente)
- 1 cup Celery, chopped (can substitute with apples)
- 1/2 cup Green Onions, sliced (can substitute with red onions)
- 1 cup Red Seedless Grapes (can substitute with dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup Sliced Almonds (can substitute with walnuts or pecans)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 your ingredients and prepare your workspace for cooking and assembling the salad.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil the chicken in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, drain the water 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, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Toss them gently to mix evenly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and blend well. Then gently fold in the grapes, cooled pasta, and sliced almonds to evenly distribute all ingredients without mashing the grapes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with additional coarse ground pepper if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried parsley for a more vibrant flavor.
- Toasted almonds add extra crunch and flavor; you can toast them lightly if desired.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust pepper and lemon juice to taste for personalized seasoning.
- For a different crunch, substitute celery with chopped apples.
