When summer rolls around, bringing with it potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad is always a welcome sight. This Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad is a beloved Southern classic, featuring tender pasta, shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious, tangy, and slightly sweet poppy seed dressing. It’s an incredibly easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd!

---

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of dishes that bring both flavor and ease to summer meals, and this Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad absolutely hits the mark! What I truly adore is the way it combines the comfort of tender pasta and chicken with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables. The creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet poppy seed dressing is simply irresistible, adding a unique flavor that ties everything together beautifully. It feels incredibly comforting and nostalgic, yet it’s wonderfully versatile and makes for a fantastic make-ahead dish, as the flavors only get better as they meld in the fridge. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast at every gathering!

---

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rotini or medium pasta (cooked al dente, rinsed and cooled)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet peas, drained (or 1 cup frozen peas, thawed)
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, toasted for extra flavor)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

---

Swaps and Notes

• Pasta Type: Rotini is excellent for catching the dressing, but any medium-sized pasta like shells, penne, or elbow macaroni would work. Cook al dente and rinse well to prevent sticking.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts/thighs and shred or dice them. For a lighter, tangier chicken base, check out A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).
• Vegetables: Celery, red onion, and peas are classic. You can add other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn.
• Pecans (Optional): Chopped pecans add a lovely nutty crunch. Toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise as the creamy base for the dressing.
• Milk: Whole milk will give the creamiest dressing. 2% milk is fine.
• Sugar & Vinegar: Adjust the amounts of granulated sugar and white vinegar to your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess. Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly fruitier tang.
• Poppy Seeds: These are essential for the classic poppy seed dressing flavor and visual appeal.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and black pepper to taste. A tiny pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can be added to the dressing.

---

Instructions:

1. Cook and Cool Pasta: Cook the 8 oz rotini or medium pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. This also prevents it from sticking together. Drain very well and set aside.

2. Prepare Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken, 1 cup finely chopped celery, ½ cup finely diced red onion, and 1 (15 oz) can drained sweet peas (or thawed frozen peas). If using, add the ½ cup chopped pecans.

3. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

5. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour (or preferably longer, up to 2-4 hours). This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is nicely chilled for serving.

6. Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Serve chilled as a refreshing and satisfying side dish. Enjoy your delicious Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad!

---

Tips for Success

• Cool All Cooked Components: Ensure pasta and chicken are completely cooled before mixing into the salad to prevent wilting of other ingredients and soggy texture.
• Rinse Pasta Thoroughly: Rinsing pasta with cold water is crucial for pasta salads to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
• Adjust Sweetness/Tanginess: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the sugar or vinegar to your preference.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually until everything is coated to your liking. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
• Chill Time is Key: This salad tastes best after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator.
• Fresh Ingredients: While it uses cooked chicken, fresh celery and onion add essential crunch and flavor.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad is an incredibly versatile and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for various occasions.

• Potlucks & BBQs: A fantastic, easy-to-transport dish that’s always a hit at summer gatherings.
• Picnics: Travels well and is delicious served chilled.
• Light Lunch/Dinner: A satisfying meal on its own, especially with a slice of bread.
• Main Course Complement: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or burgers.
• Other Chicken Favorites: For more delicious chicken-based recipes, check out:
  • Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
  • This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
  • These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
  • Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta (for another creamy pasta salad inspiration).
  • Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta salad is excellent for making ahead and enjoying as leftovers!

• Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes better after it has had time to chill and for the flavors to meld, so making it 1-2 hours in advance (or even the day before) is recommended.
• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Stir Before Serving: If the salad has been sitting for a while, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. You might need to add a tiny splash more milk or a dollop of mayonnaise if it seems dry.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for pasta salads, especially those with creamy dressings, as the pasta can become mushy and the dressing may separate upon thawing.

---

Final Thoughts

This Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad is a truly delightful and incredibly refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of classic Southern comfort. Its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet-tangy poppy seed dressing make it an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor every cool, creamy, and delicious bite!

What are your go-to pasta salad recipes for summer gatherings, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your salads extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!