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Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad Recipe

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A refreshing and flavorful Poppy Seed Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad combining tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, perfect for a light lunch or picnic side dish.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 10 oz. bow tie pasta (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups cooked and cooled, diced chicken breasts (rotisserie recommended)

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 12 oz. red grapes, halved (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (green portion)

Nuts and Extras

  • 3/4 cup Fisher Sliced Almonds
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fat free plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 cup full fat mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook bow tie pasta to al dente following package instructions for timing.
  2. Drain and Cool: Drain the cooked pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop cooking, and let it drain completely to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, granulated sugar, poppy seeds, and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved grapes, diced celery, sliced almonds, green onions, and dried cranberries if using.
  5. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all components.
  6. Season and Chill: Adjust salt to taste, toss again, then cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day to let flavors meld and pasta absorb the dressing.
  7. Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled as a refreshing meal or side dish.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
  • Chilling the salad allows for better flavor development and texture.
  • For crunch and extra flavor, do not skip the sliced almonds.
  • Dried cranberries add a nice sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
  • This salad is best served cold and kept refrigerated until serving.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/poppy-seed-chicken-and-grape-pasta-salad-recipe/