Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken
Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cooked Chicken, Peas, and Cheddar Cheese
Looking for a quick, creamy, and satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekly meal prep? This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, colorful, protein-rich, and packed with flavor in every bite!
Made with tender bow tie pasta, juicy cooked chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes
- Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve chilled for picnics, BBQs, or lunchboxes
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled, rotisserie, or baked)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- Red bell pepper, finely diced
- Frozen peas, thawed
- White onion, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- mayonnaise
- sweet pickle relish
- apple cider vinegar
- sugar (optional for sweetness)
- yellow mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken
A creamy and delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad loaded with tender chicken, sharp cheddar, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead meals!
Course: Salad Cuisine: American Keyword: Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken, Peas, and Cheddar Chees Prep Time: 20minutes minute Cook Time: 10minutes minutes Total Time: 30minutes minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled, rotisserie, or baked)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- 3 tbsp white onion, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chicken, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, peas, and onion. - Toss with Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated. - Chill & Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Variations You’ll Love
- Add More Veggies: Try cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or celery for extra crunch and color.
- Make it Lighter: Swap half of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.
- Boost the Protein: Add boiled eggs, turkey, or even crispy bacon bits.
- Make Ahead: This salad holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the dressing.
Nutrition Calories: 524 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 530mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 590 IU | Vitamin C: 15.8mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While bow tie pasta adds great texture, you can substitute it with rotini, penne, fusilli, or even shells.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
What type of chicken works best?
Grilled, rotisserie, or baked chicken all work well. Leftover chicken is also a great time-saver.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to prevent clumping.
Conclusion
This Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Chicken is more than just a side it’s a complete, crave-worthy meal in one bowl. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping lunches, or just want something cold and comforting, this salad delivers every single time.
