Description
A refreshing and easy Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad featuring tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, this salad combines al dente bow tie pasta with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, served chilled to bring out its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta, chopped cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dress and toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add fresh parsley and chill: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve cold: After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss and serve cold as a delicious lunch or picnic dish.
Notes
- If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- You may substitute grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease and added flavor.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess or swap the dressing with an Italian dressing for a lighter variation.
