Chicken Pasta Salad for a Crowd: Serving Up a Big Batch for Picnics and Parties.

When it comes to feeding a large group, chicken pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a family reunion, or a party, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp veggies.

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Ingredients for a Crowd-Size Chicken Pasta Salad – For the Chicken:4-5 chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

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– For the Pasta:1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle are great options) – For the Veggies:1 cup red bell pepper (diced) 1 cup celery (chopped) 1 cup red onion (thinly sliced) 1 cup frozen peas (thawed) 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

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– For the Dressing:1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (for tang) 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste – For Garnish (Optional):1/2 cup chopped parsley or cilantro Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

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Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken for added flavor.

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While the chicken is cooling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.

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Chop the red bell pepper, celery, and red onion into small pieces. If using frozen peas, rinse them under cold water until thawed. You can also steam the corn if you're using fresh.

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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more mustard or vinegar for tanginess if needed.

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Chicken Pasta Salad is the ideal dish to serve when feeding a crowd. With its creamy dressing, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, it's the kind of salad that everyone will love.

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