Looking for the perfect side dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and brimming with flavor? This creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe makes a great pasta salad side dish recipe for lunches and dinners!
Whether you’re planning a family gathering, preparing for a picnic, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this pasta salad side dish checks every box. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
What is Chicken Macaroni Salad?
The name says it all - this Chicken Pasta Salad recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked elbow pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing with just the right amount of crunch from fresh veggies. This Pasta Salad with Chicken is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
This recipe for macaroni chicken salad was inspired by our Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad. Now, ready to learn how to make macaroni chicken salad that’s packed with flavor? Keep reading!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad with Chicken
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Don’t have red bell peppers? Swap them out for celery. Want an extra kick? Add a pinch of paprika or some diced pickles!
- Family-Approved: Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Are you looking for more easy side dish recipes like our Macaroni Salad with Chicken?
If you loved this Chicken Macaroni Salad recipe, then check out some of our other recent side dish recipes - like our BLT Pasta Salad Recipe!
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- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Recipe for Macaroni and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Our Creamy Pasta Salad with Chicken
First, gather these simple ingredients:
- 8 oz (1 package) elbow pasta, cooked and rinsed with cold water
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cooked and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
These pantry-friendly ingredients come together in minutes for a dish that tastes like you spent hours making it.
How to Make Pasta Salad with Chicken
This macaroni chicken salad recipe is as easy as it gets! Here’s how to throw it together in just a few steps.
Grab a large bowl and add all the ingredients—macaroni, chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red bell pepper, eggs, sugar, and mustard.
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, then give everything a good mix.
Make sure the pasta and chicken are generously coated in the creamy dressing.
Serve immediately for a fresh and light texture, or cover and refrigerate it for later. Pro tip: While chilling the salad in the fridge, the mayonnaise mixture will soak into the pasta, intensifying the flavors even more. Trust us—it’s worth the wait!
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a delicious bowl of macaroni with chicken salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions & Tips
Your recipe for macaroni chicken salad is complete, but how do you serve it?
- This recipe makes 6 cups, so it’s perfect for serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.
- Pair it with grilled meats for a barbecue, or enjoy it as a standalone lunch.
- Want to take it to the next level? Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or paprika for a pop of color and flavor.
Give This Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe a Try!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and hearty, this is it. Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this recipe for chicken macaroni salad is one you’ll want to add to your rotation.
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Are you looking for delicious dinner recipes?
We love quick and easy dinner recipes! Check out some of our most recent, and round out this meal!
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I know that many people still like to print out recipes and keep them in a recipe binder, or simply have the printed recipe sitting in front of them when it comes time to cook! You can also email this recipe!
Chicken Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow pasta, cooked and rinsed with cold water
- 2 cups chicken breast cooked and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- ¼ cup greek yogurt
- ½ cut red bell pepper diced
- 2 hard boiled eggs diced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add macaroni, chicken, mayonnaise, yogurt, red bell pepper, eggs, sugar and mustard to a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- If you cover and serve later, the mayonnaise mixture will get soaked up by the pasta but it will still be delicious!
Kim says
This is my favorite salad to bring to potlucks and family get togethers!