Save The afternoon sun hit my kitchen counter just right as I unpacked groceries, and that somehow sparked the idea for this pasta salad. I had chicken breasts wilting in the fridge and a jar of Dijon that needed using. The whole thing came together in one of those happy kitchen moments where you just start tossing things in bowls and somehow it works. My neighbor stopped by while I was whisking the dressing, and we ended up eating it right there on the back steps.
Last summer I brought this to a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe. Something about the spiral pasta catching all that creamy dressing makes it feel special. My cousin who claims to hate pasta salad went back for thirds.
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Ingredients
- Spiral pasta: The curves really hold onto the dressing so every bite tastes amazing
- Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless stays tender and cooks quickly for this recipe
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst in your mouth and add little pockets of bright flavor
- Dijon mustard: This gives the dressing its signature sharp edge
- Honey: Balances the mustard with just enough sweetness
- Red onion: Adds a little crunch and mild bite that cuts through the creamy dressing
- Fresh parsley: Makes everything look fresh and bright
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil until al dente then rinse under cold water so the pasta stays perfectly separate
- Season and cook chicken:
- Sear in hot oil until golden and cooked through then let it rest so it stays juicy
- Prep your vegetables:
- Chop everything into bite sized pieces that will tuck nicely into the pasta spirals
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine mustard honey mayo vinegar oil and garlic powder until completely smooth
- Combine and toss:
- Mix pasta chicken and veggies then pour over dressing and fold everything together gently
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve right away or chill for flavors to meld
Save My sister served this at her baby shower and the bowl was empty before anyone even touched the main dishes. There is something about the combination of warm chicken and cool crisp veggies that just works.
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Make It Your Way
I have experimented with adding shredded carrots and sweet corn when the garden is overflowing. Grilled chicken adds a smoky depth that takes this to another level. You can also swap the pasta for whole wheat or gluten free versions without losing anything.
Dressing Secrets
The ratio of honey to mustard is where the magic happens. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne if I want a little warmth. Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of mayo for a lighter version that still feels rich.
Serving Suggestions
This travels well to potlucks and picnics. The flavors hold up beautifully for hours. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
- Chill the bowl before serving so the salad stays cool longer
- Set aside some parsley to add right before serving for the freshest look
- Keep the dressing separate if you are making this more than a few hours ahead
Save This pasta salad has become my go to for everything from weeknight dinners to summer gatherings. Hope it finds a regular spot in your kitchen rotation too.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate to let flavors meld, but add the dressing just before serving to maintain texture.
- → What pasta works best?
Spiral shapes like fusilli or rotini are ideal because they hold the dressing well. Bow ties or penne also work great in this dish.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. You'll need about 2-3 cups of cooked chicken.
- → How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so toss with a little extra before serving leftovers.
- → Is this dairy-free?
The traditional version contains mayonnaise. For a dairy-free option, substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
