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Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad

This Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad is creamy, fresh, and loaded with chicken, pasta, veggies, and sweet tangy dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese cubes
  • For the Honey Mustard Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it completely and stop the cooking process.
  2. Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, celery, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Toss gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients throughout the pasta salad.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  4. Pour the honey mustard dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until all the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to blend together.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad gently and garnish with extra cracked black pepper or chopped parsley if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Rinse pasta with cold water so it stays firm and cool.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  • Dice the vegetables evenly for better texture.
  • Chill before serving for the best flavor.
  • Add extra honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
  • The dressing thickens slightly as the salad chills.