Is there something about a dish that just feels like warm hug? What is a Chicken Noodle salad? I remember my grandma making this on Sundays when the whole family would gather. Is this chicken noodle delicious? When a salad came out of the oven, everyone would just gravitate towards it. Is it the kind of comfort food that makes you feel completely satisfied? I’ve tried so many variations of pasta salads, but nothing quite hits the spot like this. What is chicken noodle salad? What is that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and a little bit of tang that just makes your taste buds happy? Is it also ridiculously easy, which is a major win in my book, especially on those chaotic weeknights. When dinner feels like a mountain to climb. I don’t know what to do. Think of it as your new best friend for potlucks, family dinners or just a satisfying lunch. What are some of the best decisions you can make ahead of time?
What is chicken noodle salad?
What exactly is chicken noodle salad? At its heart, it’s a hearty, flavorful Pasta Salad that centers around tender shredded chicken and topped with feta cheese. All tossed in a creamy dressing, all your favorite pasta. What is so much more than chicken and noodles? I like to think of it as a culinary chameleon – it’s incredibly adaptable. What are some good ways to use up veggies for a quick snack? What herbs should I use to suit my mood? Is this a hot casserole? Is it a good main course? What is chicken noodle salad? What is a dish? What is the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out? My recipe repertoire for years.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this chicken noodle salad has become a staple in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to fall in love with it too. Let me break down why this one is truly special. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. It’s wonderfully creamy without being heavy, and the savory chicken pairs perfectly with the pasta. There’s a subtle tang from the dressing that just wakes everything up, and if you add some of my favorite mix-ins (more on that later!), you get little bursts of freshness and crunch in every bite. What I love most about this chicken noodle salad is its sheer simplicity. I’m talking about a recipe that you can whip up even when you’re exhausted. The ingredient list is manageable, and the steps are super easy to follow. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll nail this. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective! The base ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily use up leftover cooked chicken, making it a budget-friendly hero. It’s also unbelievably versatile. You can tweak it endlessly to fit your tastes or what’s in your fridge. Served cold, it’s a fantastic picnic dish. Warmed up slightly, it’s pure comfort. It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional Chicken Salad sandwich, offering a heartier and more substantial option. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen when in reality, it’s a weeknight lifesaver. If you enjoy my creamy tuna pasta bake or my simple chicken Caesar pasta salad, you’ll absolutely adore this.
How do I make chicken noodle salad?
Quick Overview
What is the beauty of Chicken Noodle salad? You’ll cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, prepare some tender shredded chicken. What are some of the best rotisserie chicken recipes? ), and then whisk together a simple, luscious dressing. Once everything is combined, you’ll add your favorite mix-ins for that extra pop of flavor and texture. Is it a no-fuss process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort? How do I avoid overcooking pasta? Is it really a dump-and-mix situation?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish: What is the best way
1 pound pasta (I love rotini or elbow macaroni for this)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for ease!)
1 cup chopped celery (for that essential crunch)
1/2 cup chopped red onion (or sweet onion if you prefer milder)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for a burst of freshness)
For the Creamy Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise (use good quality, full-fat mayo for the best flavor)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds a lovely tang)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (brightens everything up)
What is garlic powder? 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon garlic powder .
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the pepper!)
Optional Mix-ins (highly recommended)
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed. 1/2
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles or sweet relish.
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for crunch.
A pinch of paprika for color.
What is the step by
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
How do I get a large pot of salted water boiling? Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – you’ll be able to eat it right away. Is it good to have a slight bite, not mushy? What is the best way to drain pasta in a colander? Can you rinse your noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process? From sticking together. Set it aside to cool down a bit while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, this step is easy. Is it safe to shred chicken meat with two forks? If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this, I recommend boiling or baking chicken breasts until done. They’re cooked through, then letting them cool slightly before shredding. Make sure to get all the good bits off the bone! What is the recommended amount of shredded chicken to eat? About half a rotisserie chicken.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Now is the time to season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Does it need a little more tang? Add some more vinegar. Is it bland? Add more salt and pepper. This dressing is the heart of the chicken noodle salad, so make sure it’s tasting delicious to you!
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped celery and chopped red onion. Serve immediately. What are some good recipes for onion, parsley and If you’re adding optional peas, stir them in now too. What is the recipe for creamy dressing? Pour it over the ingredients. Gently toss everything together using tongs or large spoons until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Is there a dressing that can be coated with How do you not overmix chicken or pasta?
Step 5: Add Mix-ins and Chill
What is the fun part about flavor boosters? Stir in your chopped pickles or relish for a bit of extra zip and texture. If you’re using sunflower seeds or almonds, add them now for that satisfying crunch. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute everything evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Can you refrigerate chicken noodle salad for at least 30 minutes? How do flavors meld together? What is the chilling step?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, give your chicken noodle salad another quick stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. I like to sprinkle a little paprika over the top. Is it bad for your eyes? What’s a good side dish to serve cold? Prepare for compliments!
What should I serve it with?
What is a chicken noodle salad? I love serving a small portion of bread and fruit at breakfast. I also like to serve some fresh fruit. What makes a strong cup of coffee? Is it surprisingly satisfying and gives you a good start to the day without feeling heavy? For a more substantial brunch spread, I’ll often serve it as part of the buffet with mini quiches. Fresh green salad, and maybe some crusty bread. What are some of the best ways to add color to a table? As a dessert… well, it’s not exactly dessert, but sometimes after putting in 4-6 hours of work, I need 4-5 bowls of this chicken. What is a noodle salad? What are some of the best cozy snacks that I can sneak into a small bowl and enjoy while I’m catching up on my reading? What is more satisfying than chips? We always have this at our summer BBQs, usually alongside grilled corn on the cob and watermelon. What are some great contrasts to the smoky grilled flavors? Is it a regular at our holiday potlucks? I’ve found it pairs beautifully with baked beans or a light coleslaw. Can you really go wrong?
What are some tips for perfecting chicken noodle salad?
I’ve made this chicken noodle salad more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it absolutely perfect every single time. Let’s dive into them! For the pasta, al dente is your best friend. If you overcook it, the noodles can turn into mush when mixed with the dressing, and nobody wants a gummy salad. I always, always drain it well and give it a quick rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking immediately and prevents it from clumping. For the chicken, using rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, but if you’re cooking it yourself, make sure it’s not dry. Poaching chicken breasts in lightly seasoned water or broth gives you incredibly tender, moist chicken that shreds beautifully. When it comes to mixing, gentleness is key. You want to coat everything evenly, but you don’t want to mash the ingredients. I find using two large forks or a rubber spatula works best to gently fold everything together. My personal favorite optional mix-in is the chopped dill pickles. They add a tangy, briny punch that cuts through the richness of the dressing and complements the chicken so well. If you’re not a pickle fan, sweet relish works too, but the dill adds a little something extra, in my opinion. And for that crunch factor? Toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds are fantastic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with chopped walnuts or even some crispy fried onions if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me on the celery and onion – they provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the creamy dressing and tender chicken. And the dressing itself? Don’t skimp on the Dijon mustard or the apple cider vinegar; they provide essential brightness and prevent the salad from tasting too bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before chilling. Sometimes, after it sits, you might need a little more salt or pepper. It’s a simple recipe, but these little details really elevate it from good to absolutely unforgettable!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
One of the best things about this chicken noodle salad is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep. For storing at room temperature, I’d say it’s best enjoyed within about two hours. After that, the mayonnaise can start to break down, especially if it’s warm out. If you’re keeping it in the refrigerator, this chicken noodle salad is fantastic for up to 3-4 days. I like to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other smells from the fridge. Glass containers are great because they don’t stain, but a good quality plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works just as well. Make sure it’s well covered to prevent any drying out. I haven’t really found a need to freeze this chicken noodle salad. Because of the mayonnaise and the cooked pasta, the texture can get a little odd after thawing. It really shines when it’s fresh or has just been refrigerated. If you do want to try freezing it, I’d recommend separating the dressing and mixing it in just before serving. As for the glaze… well, this recipe doesn’t really have a glaze! If you were thinking of a different dish, I’d say for this particular chicken noodle salad, it’s all about how you serve it cold or slightly chilled. You don’t need to add anything extra to it after it’s made.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite chicken noodle salad. It’s a recipe that’s been tried, tested, and loved by my family for years, and I’m so excited for you to give it a go. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, whether you’re serving it at a big family gathering or just having a quiet dinner at home. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp veggies, and that creamy, tangy dressing is just pure comfort. It’s so satisfying to make something so delicious with such straightforward ingredients. If you’re looking for other easy and flavorful pasta dishes, you might also enjoy my classic macaroni salad or my quick and easy pasta primavera. I can’t wait to hear how your chicken noodle salad turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even just to say hello. Happy cooking!
Chicken Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 8 oz Egg noodles
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.75 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook chicken breast until fully cooked. Let cool and shred or dice.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, noodles, carrots, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the chicken and noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
