Name: Summery Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup olive oil; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp dried dill; 2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 ears fresh yellow corn; 16 oz mini bow tie pasta; 12 slices (12 oz) bacon, cooked, drained and chopped; 12 oz grape tomatoes, halved; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1 1/2 cups chopped English cucumber; 1 cup chopped green onions; 3 1/2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, chilled; 1/4 cup pasta water, or more as needed

Jump to Recipe

When sunshine is calling your name and your taste buds are craving something vibrant and satisfying, this Summery Chicken Pasta Salad is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Packed with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, all draped in a zesty herb dressing, this recipe is the epitome of a crowd-pleaser. It shines at backyard barbecues, picnics, or for easy weekday lunches when you want a meal that’s both refreshing and hearty. Trust me, once you try this Summery Chicken Pasta Salad, it will become your go-to dish every warm-weather season.

Summery Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when simple, honest ingredients come together! Each one in this Summery Chicken Pasta Salad serves a specific purpose—whether it’s lending fresh crunch, creamy richness, or a burst of color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you should love them:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the dressing cling beautifully to every bite of salad.
Mayonnaise: Brings luscious creaminess without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Fresh lemon juice: The bright, tangy kick that lifts the whole dish.
Finely chopped fresh parsley: Injects the salad with garden-fresh aroma and a vibrant green hue.
Dried dill: Offers a savory hint of summer and pairs perfectly with chicken and lemon.
Minced garlic: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing—use fresh for best flavor!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and intensifying all the flavors.
Fresh yellow corn: Sweet pops of crunch and color that just scream summer.
Mini bow tie pasta: Adorably bite-sized and perfect for catching all the dressing.
Bacon: Crispy and smoky, a savory contrast to the creamy and fresh elements.
Grape tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a burst of color to every forkful.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Delicious cubes offer tangy, salty richness in every bite.
Chopped English cucumber: Refreshing crunch that keeps each bite light and snappy.
Chopped green onions: Layer in gentle onion flavor and a pop of color.
Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken: The star protein, tender and super easy with store-bought chicken.
Pasta water: Helps smooth out the dressing and keeps the salad moist—don’t forget to reserve it!

How to Make Summery Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Make the Herb Dressing

Start by whipping up your flavorful base: in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, herby dressing will tie the entire Summery Chicken Pasta Salad together. Pop it in the refrigerator so those flavors can mingle while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Boil the Corn

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—it’ll flavor both your corn and pasta. Add the corn cobs and let them boil for about four minutes, turning occasionally so every kernel cooks evenly. Remove them and let them cool down as you keep the water at a boil for your next step.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Toss in your mini bow tie pasta and cook to a perfect al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t forget the secret sauce: before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water to use in your dressing later. This trick ensures a silky, well-coated salad that never gets dry.

Step 4: Cool the Pasta

Once drained, spread the pasta out on a greased baking sheet. This little trick helps it cool quickly and stops any sticking. Give it about 10 to 20 minutes—cool pasta means no melted cheese or limp cucumbers in your Summery Chicken Pasta Salad.

Step 5: Prep the Add-Ins

While the pasta cools, slice the sweet kernels off your cooled corn cobs, halve your grape tomatoes, cube the cheddar, chop the cucumber and green onions, and crumble or chop the cooked bacon. Having everything ready to toss saves time and keeps you organized.

Step 6: Combine It All!

In a large serving bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, corn, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, cucumber, green onions, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Pour your prepared dressing plus a quarter cup of reserved pasta water over the top. Gently toss everything until coated, thinning with a splash more pasta water if needed. Have a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper if you like it a bit punchier.

Step 7: Chill or Serve

If you’ve got the patience (kudos!), let this beautiful Summery Chicken Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for one to two hours—this melds all those fresh, herby, and savory flavors together. If you can’t wait, it’s just as tasty served right away.

How to Serve Summery Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Just before serving, a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley, a few crumbles of crisp bacon, or even thinly sliced green onions add a colorful, mouthwatering finish. If you’re really feeling fancy, a little zest of lemon right on top gives each bite a citrusy sparkle.

Side Dishes

Pair Summery Chicken Pasta Salad with simple grilled shrimp, a basket of warm, crusty bread, or a platter of fresh fruit for a complete meal that celebrates the season. It also holds its own alongside grilled veggies, deviled eggs, or tangy pickles for quintessential picnic vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving this salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go picnic platters, or spooned into avocado halves for a pretty appetizer. It also looks gorgeous spread on a big platter over a bed of leafy greens for family-style dining—there’s really no wrong way to present Summery Chicken Pasta Salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Summery Chicken Pasta Salad keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you notice the salad drinks up the dressing, you can revive it with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Freezing

This is one salad best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, you can freeze just the cooked chicken, bacon, and corn separately for up to two months. Avoid freezing the assembled Summery Chicken Pasta Salad itself, as the fresh veggies and creamy dressing don’t thaw gracefully.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—it’s designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature! If you want to remove the fridge chill before serving, simply let it rest on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes, and give it a fresh toss.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While mini bow ties are especially charming, rotini, penne, or shells work just as well. The key is to choose a shape with plenty of nooks to scoop up all that dressing and the tasty bits throughout your Summery Chicken Pasta Salad.

Is there a substitute for rotisserie chicken?

Definitely—you can use poached or grilled chicken breast, or even leftover roasted chicken. Make sure it’s chilled and shredded for an equally delicious and convenient protein boost in your salad.

Can I make this salad dairy free?

Yes! Swap the mayonnaise and cheddar for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. The result will still have all the color and crunch that makes Summery Chicken Pasta Salad a crowd-pleaser.

How far in advance can I make this?

You can assemble the salad (without the dressing) up to a day ahead. Add the dressing and toss it all together an hour or two before serving for best freshness and texture—the flavors will meld beautifully!

What if I can’t find fresh corn?

No worries—substitute two cups of thawed frozen corn, and simply give it a quick sauté in a skillet for a bit of smoky sweetness before adding to the salad. It’ll be just as summery and bright in your Summery Chicken Pasta Salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for something deliciously simple yet impressive, Summery Chicken Pasta Salad truly fits the bill. With its easy prep, burst of fresh flavors, and crowd-friendly appeal, it’s honestly hard to find a reason not to make it. Grab your ingredients, invite some friends over, and celebrate the season with a big, colorful bowl!

Summery Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Summery Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed with a zesty lemon herb dressing.

Instructions

Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
Cook Corn and Pasta: Boil corn for 4 minutes, then cut kernels. Cook pasta al dente, reserving pasta water.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix pasta, corn, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, cucumber, green onions, and chicken.
Toss with Dressing: Add dressing and pasta water, toss to coat. Adjust seasoning.
Chill and Serve: For best flavor, chill salad for 1-2 hours before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to add other favorite vegetables or swap ingredients based on preference.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American