Hearty Chicken Pasta Salad

Recipe from Mary Lee O-Brien

16 June 2026: Pool Party chicken pasta salad recipe - a family recipe that's been passed down through several generations from my Aunt ChatGPT. Mary Lee.

(Serves 8–10)

For the salad

1 pound rotini or bow-tie pasta
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the dressing

¾ cup Italian dressing
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, and Italian seasoning.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
If the pasta absorbs some dressing while chilling, stir in a little extra Italian dressing just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

Can be made the day before.
Transport in a cooler with ice packs.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.