Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a recipe that’s creamy, refreshing, and just the right balance of savory and sweet? Today we’re exploring a beloved classic: Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad with Grapes 🍇🍗🍝
This dish has its roots in the comforting tradition of pasta salads that became popular at family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with a smile. The beauty lies in its versatility: tender chicken, cool pasta, and juicy grapes all tossed in a silky dressing that makes every bite a burst of flavor.
In many households, this salad is a go-to when leftovers need a little magic, or when a quick but hearty dish is required. Grapes may seem unusual at first, but they add that pop of sweetness that balances out the creamy dressing and savory chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend lunch, a picnic under the sun, or as a side dish for a big festive meal, this recipe will always shine.
It’s a salad that celebrates freshness, comfort, and tradition—perfectly blending textures and flavors for a wholesome experience. Let’s get cooking! 🥗✨
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bow-tie work best)
- 2 cups seedless grapes, halved (red or green, or a mix)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds or pecans, roughly chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🥄 Step-by-Step Directions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, poach or bake chicken breasts until tender. Dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and toasted nuts.
- Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve & enjoy: Garnish with extra nuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley before serving. Serve chilled as a main dish or side.
🥦 Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6
#ChickenPastaSalad #EasyDinnerRecipes #FamilyFavorites #TraditionalCooking #GrapesInSalad #ComfortFood
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
