Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ozbow tie pasta
- 2 cshredded or diced cooked chicken
about 1 lb cooked boneless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ chalved red grapes
- 4stalks celery)
diced (about 1 cup
- ½yellow onion)
diced (about 1 cup
- 1 cwhole raw almonds
- 1 cplain greek yogurt
i used whole milk
- ¼ capple cider vinegar
- ¼ cavocado or olive oil
- ¼ cmaple syrup
- 4 tsppoppy seeds
- 2 tspsea salt
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- 2
Preheat oven to 350°F. Add almonds to a baking sheet and place in oven to toast. Stir almonds after 5 minutes. Allow to toast about 5 minutes longer or until the almonds are golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow almonds to cool then chop. Set aside.
- 3
While pasta is cooking and almonds are roasting, make dressing by whisking together all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, grapes, celery, onion and chopped almonds.
- 5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine. Taste for and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve right away or refrigerate in a container with a lid for 1-2 hours or until ready to serve.
Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad
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Based on 20 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal? This Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad delivers on all fronts, combining tender bow tie pasta, savory shredded chicken, and a vibrant, creamy dressing that will become your new go-to.
What sets this recipe apart is its delightful balance of textures and flavors. You'll find sweet red grapes contrasting with crunchy whole raw almonds and crisp diced celery, all bound together by a tangy, creamy poppy seed dressing made with plain Greek yogurt. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, designed for maximum enjoyment without being overly heavy.
Prepare for a symphony of textures in every bite of this pasta salad. You'll enjoy the pleasing chewiness of the bow tie pasta alongside the richness of the shredded or diced cooked chicken. The halved red grapes burst with sweetness, providing a juicy counterpoint to the satisfying crunch of whole raw almonds and crisp diced celery and yellow onion. The star, however, is the smooth, tangy dressing, which boasts a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and a subtle nutty flavor from the poppy seeds. It coats every ingredient beautifully, ensuring a harmonious and incredibly flavorful experience that’s both light and fulfilling. This salad is surprisingly hearty yet incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions.
While delicious as written, this Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad is also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to adjust the protein by using leftover roasted turkey instead of chicken. If you prefer a different crunch, lightly toasted pecans or walnuts can stand in for the whole raw almonds. For a touch more sweetness or a different fruity note, consider adding diced apples or dried cranberries alongside the grapes.
This versatile pasta salad shines as a centerpiece for summer potlucks, barbecues, or a delightful lunch. It also makes an excellent easy dinner, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or a light sandwich.