Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing and Fresh Veggies

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Salad

This chicken noodle salad recipe is a go-to for anyone wanting a simple, tasty dish that’s ready in no time. It’s packed with flavor from fresh veggies and a creamy dressing that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re a busy parent or a student looking for an easy meal, this salad brings everything you need to the table without much effort.

One of the best parts about chicken noodle salad is how straightforward it is to prepare. You’ll find that it uses basic ingredients you might already have on hand, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu get-togethers. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal that keeps things light and nutritious.

Beyond its ease, this salad offers real health perks. It’s loaded with lean chicken for protein, along with veggies that add vitamins and fiber to support your daily wellness. For folks watching their diet, chicken noodle salad can be a smart choice that feels indulgent but keeps you on track.

What really sets chicken noodle salad apart is its flexibility. You can tweak it to fit different tastes or needs, like going gluten-free or adding extra veggies for more crunch. This makes it a favorite among home cooks, busy professionals, and even food enthusiasts who love experimenting in the kitchen.

The flavors in this chicken noodle salad blend perfectly, with the savory chicken and crisp vegetables shining through. It’s refreshing for summer picnics or a quick lunch, and it pairs well with many meals. If you’re new to making salads, this recipe is an excellent starting point to build your confidence.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious chicken noodle salad. This recipe uses simple items that come together for a fresh and creamy result. Below, you’ll find a complete list of everything needed, based on the exact measurements provided, to ensure your salad turns out just right.

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or kosher salt as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chopped onion (sweet or red onion)
• ½ cup sliced celery (about one large stalk)
• 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken (can use boneless chicken breast, canned chicken, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken)

These ingredients form the base of your chicken noodle salad, providing a mix of carbs from the pasta, creaminess from the mayo, and crunch from the veggies. For special twists, you can swap in options like gluten-free pasta if needed, but stick to these for the classic version.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Noodle Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting chicken noodle salad right starts with a few easy steps that anyone can follow. Begin by cooking the pasta to just the right texture so it doesn’t get mushy. This method ensures your salad stays fresh and enjoyable.

First, cook 16 ounces of elbow macaroni in boiling water as per the package instructions until it’s al dente. While that’s happening, mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl to create the dressing.

Next, prepare your veggies by thinly slicing ½ cup celery and dicing ½ cup onion, then add them to the dressing and stir well. Once the pasta is done, rinse it under cold water and drain it thoroughly to cool it down quickly.

Then, combine the cooked pasta with the mayonnaise mixture, making sure everything is coated evenly. For the best results, serve it right away or chill it in the fridge. Remember, eating it on the same day helps keep the texture perfect and prevents the mayo from being absorbed too much.

1. Cook 16 ounces of elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.
3. Thinly slice ½ cup celery and dice ½ cup onion, then add these vegetables to the dressing and mix well.
4. Once pasta is cooked al dente, rinse under cold water and drain to cool.
5. Add the pasta to the mayonnaise mixture and stir to coat evenly.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For best texture, consume on the same day to prevent excess absorption of mayonnaise.

This step-by-step approach makes chicken noodle salad a breeze, even for beginners. For more ideas on simple meals, check out our simple salad recipes on the blog.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Noodle Salad

Making chicken noodle salad work for your diet is simple with a few smart swaps. Whether you’re aiming for vegan options or cutting carbs, these changes keep the dish tasty and versatile. It’s all about adjusting based on what you have or prefer.

For protein, try swapping chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas if you’re going plant-based. If you want a different poultry flavor, shredded turkey or ham can step in nicely. For the noodles, opt for quinoa or spiralized vegetables to make it gluten-free or low-carb.

When it comes to veggies and sauces, replace celery with cucumber or jicama for a fresh crunch. Experiment with dressings like vinaigrette or tahini to mix up the taste. Adding herbs like dill or spicy elements like chili flakes can elevate the flavor without much effort.

Don’t forget about the dressing use low-fat mayo or dairy-free versions to fit your needs. These tweaks ensure chicken noodle salad remains a go-to meal for everyone, from seniors to baking enthusiasts looking for healthy eats.

Mastering Chicken Noodle Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your chicken noodle salad to the next level involves some pro techniques and fun twists. Start by poaching the chicken gently to keep it moist, and cook the noodles al dente forwaste the best texture. This helps the salad hold up well, even after sitting for a bit.

For flavor variations, try an Asian-inspired dressing with sesame ginger or add curry powder for a unique kick. You can also include extras like chopped bell peppers, cheddar cheese, carrots, sweet pickle relish, sour cream, green onions, or fresh herbs to customize it further. These additions, as suggested in the tips, make the salad even more exciting.

Presentation matters too serve it in bowls with garnishes like toasted nuts or lemon zest for a polished look. If you’re prepping ahead, make the base and dressing separately, then combine just before eating to avoid sogginess. For more healthy options, check out our healthy eating tips page.

How to Store Chicken Noodle Salad: Best Practices

Keeping your chicken noodle salad fresh is easy with the right storage tips. Always store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its crispness. This helps prevent any unwanted changes in texture or flavor.

Freezing isn’t ideal because it can make the noodles and veggies go soft. Instead, serve it cold or let it sit out to reach room temperature for the best taste. For meal prep, get the components ready ahead, then assemble right before you eat for that freshly made feel.

Additional tips include rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop it from absorbing too much dressing. As mentioned, you can add extras like fresh herbs for more flavor, and always check for freshness before serving. For more on healthy ingredients, visit health benefits of chicken.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Salad

Chicken Noodle Salad

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🥗 Enjoy a creamy and refreshing Chicken Macaroni Salad packed with fresh veggies for a wholesome meal.
🍴 This dish is perfect for quick lunches or gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures everyone will love.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 16 ounces elbow macaroni

– 1 cup mayonnaise

– 4 teaspoons yellow mustard

– 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or kosher salt as a substitute)

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– ½ cup chopped onion (sweet or red onion)

– ½ cup sliced celery (about one large stalk)

– 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken (can use boneless chicken breast, canned chicken, leftover chicken, or rotisserie chicken)

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Instructions

1-Cook 16 ounces of elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package instructions.

2-While the pasta cooks, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 4 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.

3-Thinly slice ½ cup celery and dice ½ cup onion, then add these vegetables to the dressing and mix well.

4-Once pasta is cooked al dente, rinse under cold water and drain to cool.

5-Add the pasta to the mayonnaise mixture and stir to coat evenly.

6-Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For best texture, consume on the same day to prevent excess absorption of mayonnaise.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥒 Rinse cooked pasta with cold water or refrigerate after cooking to keep salad from absorbing too much dressing.
🧊 Store salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍽️ This salad is delicious served cold but can also be enjoyed warm if preferred.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling and mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Contains Dairy and Poultry

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 356 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 372 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg