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Easy Summery Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Summery chicken pasta salad is a protein-packed, fresh, and satisfying dish made with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, potlucks, or an easy summer lunch or dinner.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 ears fresh yellow corn
  • 16 oz mini bow tie pasta
  • 12 slices bacon cooked and chopped
  • 12 oz grape tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese cubed
  • 1 1/2 cups English cucumber chopped
  • 1 cup green onions chopped
  • 3 1/2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken shredded and chilled
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Method
 

  1. Whisk olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  2. Boil corn for 4 minutes, remove, and let cool.
  3. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
  4. Spread pasta on a baking sheet and cool completely.
  5. Cut corn kernels from the cob.
  6. Combine pasta, corn, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, cucumber, green onions, and chicken in a large bowl.
  7. Add dressing and reserved pasta water, then toss until evenly coated.
  8. Adjust seasoning and chill for 1–2 hours if desired before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Refresh leftovers with a splash of dressing.