Okay, friends, let me tell you about my absolute go-to for potlucks, picnics and just a little bit of fun. What is the best lunch you have ever had on a hot day? Is it my Chicken Corn Pasta Salad? Think of it as the cooler, more flavorful cousin of tuna pasta salad, but with a hint of sweetness. What makes corn sing? I swear, I’ve brought this to so many gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Is this just the right amount of creamy, savory, and oh-so-delicious? I can whip it up in under 30 minutes. It’s so easy to make, even on the busiest weeknights. What makes it a total winner in my book?
What is Chicken Corn Pasta Salad?
What is chicken corn Pasta Salad? a cold pasta salad featuring tender chunks of chicken, sweet kernels from corn, and creamy, tangy dressing. What makes a good dressing? Think of it as a deconstructed chicken and corn chowder, but in pasta salad form. What is comfort food in a bowl? What is the best thing about WordPress? What are some good substitutes for celery and bell peppers? What is bacon with a smoky twist? What is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors? I usually use rotisserie chicken to make it even easier, but leftover grilled chicken works great.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best pasta salad recipes? What are some of the best things to know about the CIA?flavorThe sweetness of the corn perfectly balances the savory chicken and creamy dressing. What is the best flavor combination?simplicityIs this recipe a game changer? I’m serious, you basically just cook the pasta, chop a few things, and mix it all together. What I love most about this is that it’s so good.cost-efficientThe ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making it a great option for cooking. What is the best way to feed a crowd on sabbatical? Is it really that bad?versatile!What is a good side dish to serve at bbq or lunch? What are the best ways to spend Is it a lifesaver when you need something quick, easy, and delicious? What is your favorite chicken corn pasta Salad Recipe?
How do I make chicken corn pasta salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make chicken corn pasta salad? What’s the best way to cook pasta al dente? What’s a good creamy dressing? What’s the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! What I like about this method is that you can easily customize it to your liking. What are some ways to substitute chicken for ham? Is it all up to you? What is the best thing about this salad? What are some of the best ways to allow flavors to meld together?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or shells work great)
* 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver!)
* 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – if using canned, make sure to drain it well)
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (adds a nice bite!)
* 1/2 cup celery, finely diced (for that essential crunch)
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (adds freshness and color)
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer a good quality mayo for the best flavor)
* 1/4 cup sour cream (adds tanginess and richness)
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for a little kick!)
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (balances the acidity)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. How do you drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process? What do you like about mushy pasta salad?
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
While pasta is cooking, dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. What is the best way to dice red onion and celery. Chop the fresh parsley. I always do this first so the rest of the recipe goes smoothly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and salt. Set aside. How do I mix sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy? Make sure there are no lumps!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the diced chicken, corn kernels, red onion, celery, and parsley to the bowl with the cooked chicken. Serve immediately. How do you add the dressing to the pasta mixture? Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. What is the best way to chill food? Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some great recipes for chicken corn pasta salad?For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. What is the perfect side dish to serve with grilled meats?For a Picnic: Pack it in a container along with some sandwiches, fruit, and chips. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
For Lunch:What are some good Side Dishes to serve with a bowl of ice cream? What is a good lunch?For a light dinner:Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. What’s a quick and easy meal for hot summer nights? My family loves this with a grilled flank steak and some roasted vegetables. Is it a crowd pleaser?
How do I make a perfect chicken corn salad?
What are some of the best recipes for chicken corn pasta salad?Pasta Perfection:Make sure to cook pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will ruin the texture of the salad. Is it necessary to rinse the meat with cold water after cooking?Dressing Consistency If you find the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water to thin it out. You want it to be creamy and coat the pasta without being too heavy.
Veggie Prep: Finely dice the red onion and celery so they don’t overpower the other flavors. If you’re not a fan of raw red onion, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out the flavor.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! You can use ham or turkey instead of chicken, add other veggies like bell peppers or peas, or swap out the mayonnaise for Greek Yogurt for a healthier option.
Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick of flavor. I sometimes add a little bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta salad to develop its full flavor potential. I usually make it a few hours ahead of time, but even 30 minutes makes a difference. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
One time, I forgot to rinse the pasta and it was a gummy mess. Lesson learned! Now, I always set a timer to make sure I don’t overcook the pasta.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Corn Pasta Salad is best enjoyed cold, so you won’t need to reheat it.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours, especially in warm weather.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve over time!
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. The texture of the pasta and vegetables can also change.
Glaze Timing Advice: The dressing should be added when you combine all of the ingredients together. Adding it ahead of time helps the flavors meld.
If you’re making this for a potluck or picnic, be sure to keep it chilled in a cooler with ice packs to prevent spoilage. I usually pack it in a container with a tight-fitting lid to avoid any leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Chicken Corn Pasta Salad. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy, and that’s what cooking is all about, right? If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my creamy cucumber salad or my classic potato salad. They’re both perfect for summer gatherings! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what variations you come up with!
Chicken Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Cooked pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup Cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup Frozen corn, thawed
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
