Chicken Pasta Salad

Chicken Pasta Salad
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
½ cup sweet corn (optional)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
¼ cup black olives (sliced)
🥣 Dressing:
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh)
Salt and black pepper to taste
👩‍🍳 Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let it cool completely.
Prepare the chicken:
Use leftover chicken or cook fresh (grilled, baked, or boiled), then shred or dice.
Chop veggies:
Cut tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and any extras you like.
Make the dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Combine everything:
In a large bowl, add pasta, chicken, vegetables, olives, and cheese.
Mix:
Pour dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes before serving for best flavor.
💡 Tips:
Add avocado right before serving for extra creaminess.
Swap mayo for all yogurt for a lighter version.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh taste.
A pinch of paprika or chili flakes adds a nice kick 🔥