Save I was standing in my kitchen with leftover chicken and half a jar of everything bagel seasoning when the idea hit me. What if I could turn that addictive savory crunch into something creamy and cool? I threw together pasta, vegetables, and a quick tangy dressing, then tossed in that magic seasoning. One bite and I knew this wasnt just using up leftovers anymore.
I first made this for a backyard gathering where I forgot to plan a side dish until an hour before guests arrived. I tossed it together in a panic, chilled it fast, and watched it disappear before the main course even hit the table. My friend texted me the next day asking for the recipe, saying her kids fought over the last scoop.
Ingredients
- Short pasta: Rotini and fusilli grab onto the creamy dressing better than smooth shapes, and they hold up without getting mushy in the fridge.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut here because it comes pre-seasoned and saves you from turning on the stove twice.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved tomatoes release just enough juice to keep everything moist without making the salad watery by day two.
- Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds a cool crunch that balances the richness of the mayo and yogurt.
- Red onion: Finely diced onion gives a sharp bite that mellows beautifully once it sits in the dressing.
- Celery: Thinly sliced celery brings a crisp texture and subtle freshness that keeps each bite interesting.
- Scallions: Sliced scallions add a mild oniony brightness without overpowering the other vegetables.
- Mayonnaise: This creates the creamy base that clings to every piece of pasta and makes the salad feel indulgent.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Yogurt cuts the richness of mayo and adds a tangy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice sharpens the dressing and keeps the flavors from tasting flat or heavy.
- Dijon mustard: A spoonful of Dijon adds depth and a gentle heat that ties the creamy and savory elements together.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is the star, delivering garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds in one shake instead of measuring five different things.
- Crumbled feta or cream cheese cubes: Optional but wonderful, these pockets of tangy creaminess make every few bites feel like a surprise.
- Fresh dill: Chopped dill brings an herby brightness that pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta:
- Boil your pasta in well-salted water until its just al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water until its completely cool. This stops the cooking instantly and keeps the pasta from turning gummy when you toss it with dressing.
- Combine the base ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, celery, and scallions. Use your hands or a big spoon to distribute everything evenly so you get a little bit of each ingredient in every serving.
- Make the creamy dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed, but remember the seasoning already brings plenty of savory punch.
- Toss everything together:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. If youre adding feta or cream cheese cubes and fresh dill, fold them in now so they stay intact and dont get mashed.
- Chill and let flavors meld:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving. This resting time lets the pasta soak up the dressing and all the flavors blend into something much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Garnish and serve:
- Right before serving, sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for a fresh hit of texture and aroma. Serve it cold straight from the fridge.
Save One summer evening I packed this in a container for a picnic and forgot it in the cooler until the sun went down. When I finally opened it up, the flavors had deepened so much it tasted like a completely different dish. Everyone kept asking what restaurant I ordered it from, and I just smiled and said I threw it together that morning.
Make It Your Own
If youre watching calories, swap the mayonnaise entirely for Greek yogurt and youll still get a creamy tangy dressing without the heaviness. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your everything bagel seasoning doesnt sneak in any malt or wheat-based ingredients. You can also toss in diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess, or add a handful of baby spinach if you want more greens without changing the flavor profile.
Storage and Meal Prep
This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or last-minute dinners. The vegetables stay crisp and the chicken stays tender as long as you keep it chilled. If youre meal prepping, portion it into individual containers so you can grab one on your way out the door. Just give it a quick stir before eating because the dressing sometimes settles at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this alongside grilled vegetables or a simple green salad for a light summer dinner. It also works beautifully as a potluck contribution because it travels well and doesnt need reheating. If youre hosting a casual lunch, pair it with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon wedges for a refreshing combination.
- Serve it in individual bowls with extra everything bagel seasoning on the side for guests who want more crunch.
- Pack it in a mason jar for a portable lunch, layering the dressing at the bottom and the pasta on top so it stays fresh.
- Pair it with crusty bread or garlic toast if you want to turn it into a heartier meal.
Save This salad has become my answer to what do I bring when I dont want to show up empty-handed but also dont want to spend all day in the kitchen. Its proof that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel effortless but taste like you cared.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing well and complement the other ingredients perfectly.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken can be used to save time without compromising flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep the pasta salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- → Is it possible to make the dish lighter?
Replacing mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt reduces fat while keeping the creamy texture.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor?
A sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning or fresh dill brightens the dish and adds extra aroma.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully before serving.