Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
9
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad
Description
The Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad starts with cooking pasta to al dente, then cooling it completely to keep the salad from getting soggy. The dressing combines Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for creaminess, balanced by honey and vinegar for sweetness and acidity, with poppy seeds adding a slight nuttiness and visual appeal. When combined with diced cooked chicken, halved red grapes, diced celery, sliced almonds, green onions, and dried cranberries, the salad offers multiple layers of texture and flavor – creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory.
The salad is best chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to permeate the pasta and other ingredients, helping the flavors meld together while maintaining fresh crispness from the celery and grapes. It’s suitable as a light lunch, picnic food, or side dish accompanying grilled meats or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. bow tie pasta about 4 cups
- 2 cups chicken breast I used rotisserie, cooked, cooled, diced
- 12 oz. red grape halved (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup celery diced
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds Fisher brand
- 1/2 cup green onion green portion, sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain, fat free
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise full fat
- 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt then more to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta to al dente in salted boiling water according to directions on package.
- Drain then rinse with cold water and let drain completely. Set aside and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, sugar, poppy seeds and 1/2 salt.
- Add drained pasta to a salad bowl along with chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, green onions and cranberries.
- Pour dressing over top and toss to evenly coat. Season with more salt to taste and toss.
- Chill at least 30 minutes (and up to 1 day) before serving (this allows some time for the pasta to absorb the dressing and time for the flavors to meld). Serve chilled.
- Recipe source: Cooking Classy
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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