This cold chicken pasta salad is the ultimate make-ahead meal, featuring tender chicken strips and rotini tossed in a rich, creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. The addition of ripe avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, while sharp Parmesan cheese provides a savory depth. It 226;ÂÂs a vibrant, satisfying dish that holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Ideal for summer potlucks, busy weeknight lunches, or as a hearty side dish for BBQs, this recipe offers a comforting yet refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.
Cold & Creamy Chicken & Pasta
Description
This cold chicken pasta salad is the ultimate make-ahead meal, featuring tender chicken strips and rotini tossed in a rich, creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. The addition of ripe avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, while sharp Parmesan cheese provides a savory depth. It&# 226;ÂÂs a vibrant, satisfying dish that holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Ideal for summer potlucks, busy weeknight lunches, or as a hearty side dish for BBQs, this recipe offers a comforting yet refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads.Ingredients
Directions
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Lightly sauté the chicken breasts in butter until fully cooked and tender.
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Cut the cooked chicken into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 2 inches long.
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Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil over high heat and add 2 teaspoons of salt.
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Add the rotini pasta and reduce heat to medium; cook until tender but not mushy.
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Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Set the rinsed pasta aside to cool completely.
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In a bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, dill weed, black pepper, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
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Let the dressing sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Peel and pit the ripe avocados, then slice them into 1/2-inch lengthwise strips.
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In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, cooled pasta, and the prepared dressing.
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Ensure the mixture is slightly juicy and well-coated.
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Gently fold in the avocado strips so they do not break up.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing.
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The next day, if the mixture seems dry, stir in a little more mayonnaise to achieve a slightly wet consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
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Transfer the chicken pasta mixture to a chilled serving bowl.
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Garnish with ripe tomato wedges and a sprinkle of fresh dill weed.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 271.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.6g21%
- Saturated Fat 3.7g19%
- Cholesterol 101.0mg34%
- Sodium 93.1mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 30.6g62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.