Directions
🥗 Creamy Protein Chicken Pasta Salad
This delicious and nourishing protein-packed salad with chicken and pasta is a perfect choice when you need something quick, easy, and make-ahead friendly. It can be stored in the fridge and served whenever needed — without rushing or last-minute stress.
The smooth, creamy texture combined with fresh lemon zest and tangy yogurt or sour cream is perfectly balanced with sweet corn, crunchy pickles, and carrots. Finished with pomegranate seeds and grated Parmesan, this salad looks festive and elegant, making it a true highlight on any table — from everyday meals to special celebrations.
🧾 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
For the salad:
- 350–400 g cooked chicken
(chicken breast or thigh, shredded or cut into small pieces) - 200 g small pasta, cooked and completely cooled
- 400 g sour cream
(or Greek yogurt, fat content of your choice) - Zest of ½ lemon (finely grated, unwaxed)
- 3 medium carrots
(boiled or pickled, finely chopped) - 4 pickles (cornichons), finely chopped
- 100 g sweet corn
(canned or cooked frozen – about ½ cup) - 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
For decoration:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped dill
👩🍳 Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before using.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon zest, dried cranberries, and fresh dill.
- Add the chicken, sweet corn, carrots, and pickles, then gently mix.
- Fold in the cooled pasta and mix until all ingredients are evenly combined and the salad becomes creamy and cohesive.
- For an elegant presentation, use a bottomless cake ring. Press the salad gently into the ring and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Before serving, decorate with grated Parmesan in the center, leaving the edges uncovered so the chopped dill and pomegranate seeds adhere easily.
❄️ A snowy layer of Parmesan in the center, combined with green dill edges and vibrant pomegranate seeds, adds a festive touch and elevates this creamy salad.
Enjoy your meal!
Cheers! 🥂
