Description

This Chicken Pasta Salad is bursting with flavor and made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or side dish, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers craving homemade deliciousness!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fusilli pasta
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 sliced bacon diced and cooked until crisp
3 stalks celery diced
1 red bell pepper diced
1/2 small red onion diced small
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 1/2 cups low-fat sour cream
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and kosher salt. Cook according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon, vegetables, and the dressing.
In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, celery, bell pepper, onion, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Pour the dressing over the mixture, tossing everything together. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 48 hours.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking.
The salad can be made a day ahead for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Feel free to substitute the veggies with whatever you have on hand.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 40mg