Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I remember the first time I made Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring. It was a bright, sunny afternoon, and I had invited my sister and her children over for lunch. The kitchen was buzzing with laughter and the clatter of utensils, and I wanted something simple, fresh, and comforting something that would make everyone feel at home. That day, the creamy, tangy dressing combined with tender chicken and spring vegetables turned a regular afternoon into a cherished memory. From that moment, this recipe became my go-to whenever I wanted to feed my family with love and a little bit of spring sunshine in every bite.
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring has been featured countless times at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners. It’s light yet indulgent, colorful yet easy to make, and every time I serve it, it sparks smiles and requests for seconds. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility you can make it ahead, adjust the veggies to what’s in season, and even make it a one-bowl wonder for a weeknight dinner.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring because it’s not just a salad it’s a memory maker. When I toss the tender pasta with the creamy dressing, diced chicken, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, it smells like spring itself. It’s also one of those recipes that bridges generations; my niece can help mix the pasta while my sister slices cucumbers, and everyone feels included in the kitchen.
The creamy dressing is tangy but not overpowering, balancing perfectly with the freshness of spring onions, bell peppers, and peas. And the chicken well, juicy, seasoned chicken always elevates a simple pasta salad to a main-course-worthy meal. Honestly, nothing beats serving this on a warm spring day with sunlight streaming through the kitchen window, watching everyone dig in happily.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring shine:
Ingredients:
- 300g fusilli pasta (or any pasta you love)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or lightly blanched)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- For extra flavor, roast the chicken with a pinch of paprika and garlic powder before adding it to the salad.
- Blanching peas for 1–2 minutes keeps them vibrant and sweet.
- Mix the dressing ahead of time it allows the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully with the pasta.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the chicken: cook, shred, or dice it. If it’s leftover rotisserie chicken, even better!
- Chop the vegetables: bell peppers, spring onions, and shred the carrots. Blanch the peas if using fresh.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Add the pasta, chicken, and vegetables to the dressing. Toss gently until everything is coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Sometimes I add a splash more lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for color and flavor.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring in a big, cheerful bowl right at the center of our dining table. It pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, freshly baked bread, or even a chilled glass of white wine for a little indulgence. I often sprinkle a few extra herbs on top just before serving it makes the colors pop and adds that fresh, herby aroma that gets everyone excited to dig in.
For family picnics, I pack it in airtight containers and add a few lemon wedges on the side. Everyone loves the chilled pasta tossed in creamy dressing, especially when it’s warmed slightly by spring sunshine.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: I often make the dressing and cook the pasta a day ahead. Combine everything a few hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer, slightly warm the chicken before tossing with cold pasta for a subtle contrast.
- Extra Tips: If the pasta absorbs too much dressing overnight, add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or yogurt and stir gently to refresh it.
100-Word Short Version
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring is a light, colorful, and comforting dish perfect for family meals, picnics, or potlucks. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp spring vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing make every bite a delight. I love making it ahead the flavors deepen beautifully overnight. Toss it all together in one bowl, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve chilled. It’s simple, fuss-free, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a sunny spring afternoon or a cozy indoor lunch, this salad brings warmth, joy, and delicious memories to the table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare chicken: cook, shred, or dice it.
- Chop vegetables and blanch peas.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss pasta, chicken, and vegetables in the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with parsley or dill before serving.
📝 Notes
- Roast chicken with paprika for extra flavor.
- Blanch peas for 1–2 minutes for vibrant color.
- Make dressing ahead to enhance flavor.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; toss gently before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Cholesterol: 55mg
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
Description
Enjoy this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring – a fresh, comforting dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing perfect for family meals, picnics, or potlucks. This recipe is easy to make, full of love, and captures the flavors of spring in every bite.
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare chicken: cook, shred, or dice it.
- Chop vegetables and blanch peas.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss pasta, chicken, and vegetables in the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with parsley or dill before serving.
Notes
- Roast chicken with paprika for extra flavor.
- Blanch peas for 1–2 minutes for vibrant color.
- Make dressing ahead to enhance flavor.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; toss gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Conclusion
Making this Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad for Spring always feels like giving a warm hug to my family. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of love the kind of food that makes everyone pause, smile, and say, “This is exactly what I needed.” Every bite is a reminder that cooking is more than feeding people; it’s about creating moments, sharing stories, and celebrating togetherness. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this salad brings joy, laughter, and a little spring magic to your table.