Print

Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 87 reviews

This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light lunch, this pasta salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors inspired by the classic Waldorf salad with a hearty pasta twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 16 oz bow tie pasta

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 3–4 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved

Dressing

  • 2 cups real mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Nuts

  • 1 cup sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 12-15 minutes depending on size. Remove from water, drain, and allow to cool. Once cool, chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooling, cook the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain pasta texture. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
  3. Combine Vegetables and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, and chopped green onions. This forms the hearty base of the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a separate container, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, coarse ground pepper, and dried parsley until smooth and creamy. Pour this dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Finish the Salad: Gently fold in the halved red grapes, cooked pasta, and sliced almonds into the bowl. Mix carefully to distribute all components evenly without crushing the grapes. For extra flavor, top with additional cracked pepper if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness in the salad.
  • For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • May substitute mayonnaise with a lighter dressing or yogurt for a lower-fat option.
  • Adjust lemon juice and pepper to taste for preferred acidity and spice level.

Keywords: Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad, chicken pasta salad, bow tie pasta salad, creamy chicken salad, summer salad, picnic recipes

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/waldorf-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe/