There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made pasta salad. My go-to Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with tender chicken and crisp veggies. This dish brings a comforting, familiar taste to any table. It truly feels like a culinary hug.

I often find myself making this specific Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad for summer picnics and family gatherings. It travels so well. Plus, busy weeknights become so much easier knowing I have this ready to go. Everyone always asks for the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a weeknight superhero! It’s ridiculously simple. You’ll be amazed by the delicious flavor. It’s ready in a flash. This salad is seriously versatile. It’s perfect for:

Quick lunches
Potluck contributions
A simple, satisfying dinner

It’s a complete winner every single time.

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients

The magic of this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad lies in its simple yet satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Creamy, crunchy, and savory notes come together with ease, making this salad both comforting and refreshing.

Here are the stars of the show:

Cooked Pasta: The hearty base that ties everything together. Rotini or fusilli are perfect choices—their spirals catch every bit of dressing.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate shortcut for a flavorful protein. Always juicy, tender, and ready to use.
Chopped Celery: Brings a fresh crunch and light, clean flavor, adding contrast to the creamy dressing.
Chopped Red Onion: Adds sharpness, bite, and a pop of vibrant color to the mix.
Thawed Frozen Peas: Sweet, tender, and bright green, they balance the savory flavors beautifully.

Substitutions and Tips

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a creamier dressing, swap the Greek yogurt for more mayonnaise. You can also toss in extras like chopped bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, or even halved cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color. The salad holds up well, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance—just give it a gentle stir before serving. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Let’s get cooking! This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad comes together so easily. You’ll love how simple it is. It’s perfect for a busy day. Follow these easy steps for a fantastic meal.

Step 1

First, prepare your pasta. Cook your favorite pasta shape. Follow the package directions for al dente noodles. Drain them right away. Rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking. It also cools the pasta fast. This is key for a cold salad. Let it drain well.

Step 2

Now, combine the main players. Grab a big mixing bowl. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken. Toss in the cooled pasta. Add the chopped celery. Mix in the finely diced red onion. Sprinkle in the thawed frozen peas. Make sure everything is spread out evenly.

Step 3

Time to make the dressing! Use a separate, smaller bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise. Add the plain Greek yogurt. This makes it a bit lighter. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. It adds a lovely brightness. Stir in the Dijon mustard. This gives a nice tang. Season with salt. Add fresh ground black pepper. Mix until it’s super smooth.

Step 4

Let’s dress this yummy salad. Pour the dressing over the chicken and pasta. Use that big bowl. Gently toss everything. Use a big spoon or a spatula. Coat every bit of pasta and chicken. You want it all covered in creamy dressing.

Step 5

Now for the magic. Chill and let those flavors mingle! Cover the bowl tightly. Plastic wrap works great. Or use a lid. Put the Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is so important. It helps all the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 6

Almost done! Time for final touches. Serve this delicious Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad chilled. Before serving, taste it. Adjust seasonings if needed. Add more salt or pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley. Sprinkle it all over the top. This adds great color and flavor.

How to Store Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad? No problem! Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This salad does not freeze well. The creamy dressing can get watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Tips for Success

Always cook pasta al dente. Mushy pasta ruins a salad.
Chill time is your friend here. Let those amazing flavors meld.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. It makes a huge difference.
For a vibrant flavor, use fresh lemon juice. It really brightens things up.
Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish. It adds a lovely freshness.
Prep ahead when you can. This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is great for that.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
Small bowl (for dressing)
Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board (for chopping veggies)
Tongs or large spoon (for tossing)
A good spatula is always handy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad as a main dish at a picnic.
It’s a fantastic side for grilled chicken or burgers.
Pair it with iced tea or a crisp lemonade.
Present it in a lovely serving bowl for potlucks.
Enjoy it chilled on a warm summer evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for making ahead. It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld even better when it has time to chill.

What kind of pasta is best for this chicken pasta salad?

Rotini, fusilli, or penne are excellent choices for this chicken pasta salad because their nooks and crannies hold the creamy dressing wonderfully. Any short pasta shape that you enjoy will work well.

Can I use homemade cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken offers ultimate convenience, you can certainly use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as baked or grilled chicken breasts. Just ensure it’s shredded or diced before adding it to the salad.

How long does Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?

This Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.