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There’s something about a big bowl of pasta salad that just feels like summertime comfort food. It’s easy, fresh, and perfect for everything from Sunday dinners on the porch to big family potlucks. This Fresh Chicken Pasta Salad with Creamy Citrus Dressing combines tender chunks of chicken, pasta bows, crisp celery, bright mandarin oranges, and a little salty bite from olives—all tossed with a tangy-sweet dressing.

This recipe is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but also light and refreshing, making it a go-to for picnics, meal prep, or quick homestead lunches after chores.

Ingredients

Salad

• 2 ½ cups cooked bow tie pasta

• 2 cups chicken, cooked and chunked

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 1 can mandarin oranges, drained

• 1 small can olives, sliced

• 6 cups lettuce (greens of choice)

Dressing

• ? cup plain yogurt

• ? cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup orange juice

• 1 teaspoon vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil bow tie pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. Prep the chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, or homestead-raised chicken—chunk it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayo, orange juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and ground mustard until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, celery, mandarin oranges, olives, and lettuce.

5. Toss it together: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

6. Chill & serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Tips & Variations

• Add crunch: Toss in almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.

• Make it lighter: Swap the mayo for extra yogurt.

• Switch the greens: Romaine, spinach, or even kale work beautifully.

• Boost protein: Add hard-boiled eggs or shredded cheese.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta, chicken, and dressing up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so the greens don’t wilt.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
You can, though fresh or leftover chicken will give a heartier, more homestead feel.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
This salad makes a perfect main dish on its own, or you can serve it as a side with grilled meats, fresh bread, or soup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have extra, keep the greens and dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain freshness.

This Fresh Chicken Pasta Salad is a simple but flavorful dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and homestead-style cooking. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekday lunch or taking it along to a church potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.