Why You’ll Love this Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad that combines the creamy decadence of alfredo sauce with the freshness of crisp veggies?
This recipe is my go-to when I need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The rotisserie chicken makes this a time-saver—no cooking required!
I love how the cool cucumber and juicy tomatoes balance the rich alfredo sauce. It’s hearty enough for dinner but perfect for lunch too.
The best part? You can make it ahead. The flavors actually get better as they mingle in the fridge.
Trust me, your family will request this one again and again.
What Ingredients are in Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad?
When I’m craving something both comforting and invigorating, this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad hits all the right notes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of creamy, savory elements with crisp, fresh vegetables. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that magical combination that makes this dish so craveable—from the tender pasta to the rich alfredo sauce that coats every bite.
- 1 (7¾ ounce) box of classic pasta mixed salad greens
- ½ cup refrigerated alfredo sauce
- 1½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skinless)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, halved and sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, sliced
- Seasoning and topping packets (included with pasta salad mix)
What I love about these ingredients is how customizable they can be based on what you have on hand. Don’t have rotisserie chicken? Leftover grilled chicken works just as well. The refrigerated alfredo sauce saves tons of time, but you could certainly make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. And while the recipe calls for grape tomatoes and cucumbers, you might consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor. The fresh basil is non-negotiable though—it adds that perfect hint of aromatic brightness that ties everything together.
How to Make this Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad
Making this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad is surprisingly simple, which is exactly what I need on busy weeknights. Start by cooking 1 (7¾ ounce) box of classic pasta mixed salad greens according to the package directions in a 3-quart saucepan.
Be sure to set aside those seasoning and topping packets—they’re essential for flavor later. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente (nobody wants mushy pasta in their salad, right?), drain it and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
This temperature shift is key for a proper pasta salad texture.
While the pasta cools, let’s prepare that creamy dressing. In a small bowl, combine the seasoning packet from the pasta mix with ½ cup refrigerated alfredo sauce. This simple mixture creates the perfect creamy base that will coat every ingredient.
Now for the assembly: in a large serving bowl, combine your cooled pasta, 1½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes, 1 cup sliced cucumber, and 2 tablespoons of fresh sliced basil leaves.
Pour that luscious alfredo mixture over everything and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. The final touch? Sprinkle the topping packet from the pasta salad mix over the top for a bit of texture and flavor punch.
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, garnish with an additional sprig of basil.
Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad recipe is absolutely delicious as written, I love how versatile it can be with just a few simple substitutions.
Don’t have rotisserie chicken? Grilled chicken breast or even canned tuna works beautifully.
Vegetarians can swap in chickpeas or cubed tofu for protein.
The veggies are totally customizable too. Try roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or olives instead of cucumbers.
And when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some crispy bacon bits or swap the Alfredo for pesto sauce.
My personal favorite twist? A sprinkle of lemon zest and red pepper flakes. Game-changer.
What to Serve with Delicious Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a meal in itself, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire dining experience.
I love serving it with warm garlic breadsticks or a crusty baguette to soak up any extra Alfredo sauce that pools at the bottom of the bowl.
For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
Can’t forget roasted vegetables—asparagus or zucchini work wonderfully here.
And for those summer gatherings? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon slices makes this comfort food feel downright sophisticated.
Trust me, your guests will be impressed.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad countless times for family gatherings and potlucks, I’ve come to appreciate its incredible versatility and crowd-pleasing power.
It’s one of those recipes that never disappoints.
What I love most? The way it combines comfort food elements with freshness.
The creamy Alfredo sauce clings perfectly to the pasta while the rotisserie chicken adds substance without extra cooking effort.
Those bright tomatoes and crisp cucumbers? They bring the perfect contrast.
Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this on repeat.
It’s become my go-to solution for “what to bring” dilemmas, and it might just become yours too.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a 3-quart saucepan. Reserve the seasoning and topping packets for later use.
- Drain the cooked pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasoning packet from the pasta mix with the refrigerated alfredo sauce to create the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced basil leaves.
- Pour the alfredo mixture over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the topping packet from the pasta salad mix over the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with additional basil if desired before serving.
