Dinner

Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing Recipe

ByNoah Steele April 8, 2026April 8, 2026

Introduction

This Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty lunch. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

The image shows a bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom, pale yellow elbow macaroni covered in smooth, shiny cheese sauce; on top, crispy browned bacon pieces scattered unevenly; and garnished with small bright green chives sprinkled across. The bowl is white and smooth, placed on a white marbled surface. A spoon is pressing into the pasta, partially visible in the front right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500g (1 lb) macaroni or elbow pasta (or other pasta of choice)
1 tbsp salt (for cooking pasta)

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
150g (5 oz) bacon, chopped

2 celery stalks, finely sliced
1 red capsicum (bell pepper), finely diced

2 green onions, finely sliced
2 medium carrots, shredded
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, or Colby)

2 small to medium avocados, cut into bite-size pieces (optional)
1 cup mayonnaise (whole egg recommended)
1 cup sour cream (full fat preferred, low fat is okay)

3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and cook the pasta according to the packet directions. Drain well and set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Place the chopped bacon in a cold non-stick skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the bacon is golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, celery, red capsicum, green onions, carrots, shredded cheese, and avocados if using. Reserve some bacon for garnish.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to combine. Set aside for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the remaining bacon, and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
Substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for a bright note.

Use your favorite type of cheese or a mix to suit your taste.
Omit bacon for a vegetarian version and add toasted nuts for crunch.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, bring the salad to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients may separate or become soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy macaroni pasta in a white bowl, showing several layers: the bottom layer is soft, curved elbow macaroni in pale yellow, fully coated with a thick, smooth, white cheese sauce. On top, there are crispy pieces of golden-brown bacon scattered unevenly, adding texture and color contrast. Small, chopped green chives are sprinkled on the surface, giving a fresh pop of green against the creamy pasta. The background is a white marbled texture, with a spoon partially visible, slightly buried in the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, the salad benefits from resting to allow flavors to combine. Prepare it a few hours ahead or the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely. Any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells works well and holds the dressing nicely.

Noah Steele