20 Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes for Potlucks and Meal Prep

Chicken pasta salads are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that works for everything from backyard barbecues to weekly meal prep, combining protein, carbs, and vegetables in one bowl that actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned chicken, and whatever dressing or flavor profile you're feeling makes these endlessly customizable and way more interesting than plain old macaroni salad.

This collection brings you Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for creamy, crunchy perfection, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad for heat lovers, multiple takes on Caesar and Pesto variations, Taco Pasta Salad for Tex-Mex vibes, and Honey Balsamic Chicken & Kale Warm Pasta Salad for when you want something served hot. You'll find mayo-based versions, oil and vinegar options, creamy ranch situations, and creative flavor combinations that prove pasta salad is anything but boring.

Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Extra-creamy caesar dressing makes this pasta salad rich and indulgent. The cold pasta format means you can make this hours ahead without wilting issues.

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Photo credit: The Salted Pepper

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad - Creamy, Crunchy, Flavor-Packed

Elote flavors meet pasta salad for something that disappears at every single gathering. The creamy, spicy, cheesy combination with crunchy corn hits every texture and flavor note.

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Photo credit: Deliciously Rushed

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo sauce brings heat and tang to pasta salad for something way more exciting than mayo-based versions. The spicy kick makes this stand out on any potluck table.

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Photo credit: It's a Keeper

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch, bacon, and chicken is one of those unbeatable combinations that works in literally any format. The trio turns plain pasta salad into something people actually fight over.

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Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (Homemade Dressing!)

Making ranch dressing from scratch instead of using bottled takes this to another level. The homemade approach means fresher flavor and better texture throughout.

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Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian

Honey Balsamic Chicken & Kale Warm Pasta Salad

Serving this warm instead of cold changes the whole pasta salad game. The honey balsamic dressing with kale makes this feel healthier and more sophisticated.

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Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog

Healthy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Greek flavors bring olives, feta, and lemon to pasta salad. The Mediterranean combination feels fresh and lighter than ranch or mayo-based versions.

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Photo credit: Skinny Fitalicious

Taco Pasta Salad

Taco seasoning transforms pasta salad into a Tex-Mex situation that's perfect for summer gatherings. All the taco flavors you love without needing shells that fall apart.

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Photo credit: Maes Menu

Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad

Adding broccoli bulks up pasta salad with vegetables and makes it feel more balanced. The veggie addition means you can call this a complete meal.

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Photo credit: Little Nomads Recipes

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh basil pesto gives pasta salad an Italian twist that feels lighter than creamy versions. The herbaceous flavor makes this taste like summer in a bowl.

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Photo credit: Chew Out Loud

Pasta Salad with a little Pizazz!

You had me at chicken, bacon, and ranch! Each of those are really good on their own, but when you add them together into a pasta salad, the results are AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!

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Photo credit: The Salted Pepper

Marinated Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Salad (No Mayo)

Skipping mayo for an oil and vinegar marinade creates something lighter and tangier. The no-mayo approach means this travels well even in hot weather.

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Photo credit: The Foodolic

Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Pesto coating every piece of pasta and chicken creates maximum flavor in every forkful. The basil-forward dressing makes this taste like something from an Italian deli.

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Photo credit: Simply Stacie

Creamy Curried Chicken Pasta Salad

Curry spices take pasta salad somewhere completely unexpected and delicious. The warm spices and creamy dressing create something totally unique from typical picnic fare.

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Photo credit: Simply Stacie

Easy Chicken Caeser Pasta Salad

Caesar pasta salad comes together without fuss for when you need something reliable. The classic flavors in cold pasta form never disappoint.

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Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic bring bruschetta vibes to pasta salad. The Italian-inspired combination tastes light and summery without heavy dressing.

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Photo credit: Simply Stacie

Caesar Pasta Salad

Classic caesar flavors get tossed with pasta instead of romaine for something heartier. The creamy dressing and Parmesan coat every noodle perfectly.

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Photo credit: It's a Keeper

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Another pesto version because honestly, pesto and pasta salad are best friends. The combination works so well it deserves multiple interpretations.

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Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian

This Chicken Orzo Pasta Salad Is a Summer Must-Have

Tiny orzo pasta makes this feel lighter and more elegant than traditional pasta salad. The small shape picks up dressing beautifully and makes every bite perfect.

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Photo credit: It's a Keeper

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad (Quick and Easy Recipe)

Getting buffalo flavor into pasta salad form happens fast with this streamlined version. The quick prep means you can throw this together for last-minute gatherings.

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Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian