Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (fusilli or rotini), cooked al dente, drained and rinsed — reserve 2 tbsp pasta water; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or grilled), warm or cooled; 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, smooth; 3 tbsp honey, runny; 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for tang); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup red grape tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (soaked briefly in cold water if milder bite preferred); 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; Optional: toasted almonds or microgreens for garnish

Description

This Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad balances sweet honey, bright mustard, and tender chicken with al dente pasta for an elegant, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz (340 g) short pasta (fusilli or rotini), cooked al dente, drained and rinsed — reserve 2 tbsp pasta water
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or grilled), warm or cooled
3 tbsp Dijon mustard, smooth
3 tbsp honey, runny
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for tang)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup red grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (soaked briefly in cold water if milder bite preferred)
1 celery stalk, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional: toasted almonds or microgreens for garnish

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Instructions

Cook and cool pasta to al dente. Drain, run under cold water briefly to stop cooking, and set in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water.
If cooking chicken fresh: season breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, sear in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice.
Whisk the dressing: combine Dijon, honey, mayonnaise (or yogurt), vinegar or lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until glossy and slightly thick.
Toss pasta, chicken, tomatoes, onion, celery, and most of the parsley in the large bowl. Pour dressing over the mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for at least 20 minutes to let flavors marry, or serve slightly warm for a different textural experience.
Finish with toasted almonds or microgreens and a final sprinkle of parsley before serving.

Notes

Use warm, just-cooked chicken for better texture and meld with the dressing. Store any delicate toppings separately and add just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg