Description
A fresh and tasty delight, perfect for summer gatherings, this Summery Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp dried dill
- 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 ears fresh yellow corn
- 16 oz mini bow tie pasta
- 12 slices (12 oz) bacon, cooked, drained and chopped
- 12 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped English cucumber (about 3/4 of one medium)
- 1 cup chopped green onions (about 5)
- 3 1/2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, chilled
- 1/4 cup pasta water, or more as needed
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season the water with salt (about 2 Tbsp).
- Add corn and boil for 4 minutes while turning as needed. Remove corn and let cool while keeping water boiling.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining pasta.
- Transfer drained pasta to a greased baking sheet and let cool for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Cut corn kernels from corn cobs.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, cucumber, green onions, and cooked chicken.
- Pour dressing over the salad along with 1/4 cup pasta water, then toss to evenly coat. Thin with more pasta water as needed and season with more salt if required.
- If time allows, let flavors meld in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours; otherwise, the salad can be served right away.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.
- Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to develop better.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg