Chicken Pasta Salad

🥗 Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
The perfect marriage of two classic dishes.

Can’t decide between chicken salad and pasta salad? This recipe brings both together in one crave-worthy, creamy bowl. Tender shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, crisp veggies, and pasta shells are all tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet mayo dressing. It’s a side dish that easily doubles as a satisfying main.

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🧾 Ingredients List

Ingredient	Amount
Shredded chicken	2 cups
Small shell pasta	2 cups
Celery (chopped)	2 ribs
Red onion (minced)	1 medium
Cheddar cheese (shredded)	2 cups
Mayonnaise	2 cups
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Apple cider vinegar	2 tablespoons
Kosher salt & pepper	To taste

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil the pasta in salted water following package directions. Once tender, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Whip Up the Dressing
   In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well blended and creamy.
3. Bring It All Together
   Add the pasta, chicken, cheddar, celery, and onion to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then gently toss everything until evenly coated.
4. Chill Before Serving
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.

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🌈 Customize It Your Way

• Use different small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells
• Mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or grape tomatoes for extra crunch and color
• Shortcut: Grab a rotisserie chicken for quick prep

This creamy pasta salad is a go-to for potlucks, meal prep, or lazy lunches—and it never fails to impress.