Save The first time I made this pasta salad was on a whim, grabbing whatever I had in the fridge before a sudden picnic invite. I'd just discovered everything bagel seasoning and thought, why not throw it into a dressing? The result was so unexpectedly good that my friend asked for the recipe before we'd even finished eating. Now it's my go-to when I need something that looks impressive but takes almost no real effort.
I brought this to a work potluck where everyone seemed to be competing with their fancy casseroles, and I honestly watched people skip right past those to load their plates with my pasta salad. There's something about the combination of crispy vegetables, creamy dressing, and that savory seasoning punch that just works, especially on a hot day when you want something filling but not heavy.
Ingredients
- Short pasta (250 g): Rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing beautifully, and rinsing it cold keeps it from clumping later.
- Cooked chicken breasts (300 g): Shredding it instead of dicing creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to, making every bite taste better.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Halving them keeps the salad from getting watery, a small step that makes a real difference in texture.
- Cucumber (1/2 cup): Diced small adds freshness and crunch without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Red onion (1/4 cup): Finely diced so it blends into the salad rather than hitting you with sharp onion bursts.
- Celery (1/2 cup): Thinly sliced keeps the vegetables consistent in size and adds a subtle herbaceous note.
- Scallions (1/4 cup): The green parts especially bring a brightness that feels fresh.
- Mayonnaise (120 g) and Greek yogurt (60 g): Together they create a creamy base that's rich without being heavy, and the yogurt keeps it from tasting like pure mayo.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A small amount keeps the dressing from tasting flat and complements the everything bagel flavor.
- Dijon mustard (2 tsp): It adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing so it clings better to the pasta.
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 tbsp plus extra): This is what makes the whole thing worth making, so don't skip it or use a generic seasoning blend.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until just right:
- Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook to al dente following the package time. As soon as it's done, drain it and rinse under cold water so it stops cooking and cools completely.
- Assemble the base:
- Toss your cooled pasta with the chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, celery, and scallions in a large bowl. Everything should be roughly the same size so it mixes evenly.
- Make the dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth. Taste it and adjust salt and pepper, remembering the seasoning already adds saltiness.
- Combine everything:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. The pasta should look creamy and cohesive, not dry or pooled with dressing.
- Add optional touches:
- If you're using feta or cream cheese and fresh dill, fold them in gently so they don't break apart.
- Chill and finish:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld and the pasta can absorb some of the dressing. Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for visual appeal and a flavor boost.
Save My sister made this for her daughter's school lunch all summer, and my niece stopped complaining about packed lunches for the first time in years. It's the kind of dish that works equally well on a picnic blanket as it does eaten straight from a container in your work break room.
Why This Works as a Make-Ahead Dish
The beauty of this salad is that it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge. The pasta continues absorbing the dressing, flavors meld together, and it becomes more flavorful by the next day. I often make it the night before a potluck or event, which frees up my time when I should be relaxing instead of cooking.
Playing with Variations
Once you understand the core of this salad, you can adapt it endlessly depending on the season or what you have on hand. I've added roasted red peppers, radishes, baby spinach, corn, and even leftover roasted vegetables with great results. The everything bagel seasoning is so flavorful that even when I swap ingredients around, the salad still tastes cohesive and intentional.
Storage and Serving Tips
This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the pasta will continue softening slightly as it absorbs more dressing. I've found that storing the extra seasoning separately and sprinkling it fresh right before serving keeps the top looking vibrant and appetizing. If you're bringing it to an event, transport it in a sealed container and give it a gentle toss just before serving.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, the flavors can seem muted when cold but intensify as it warms slightly on the plate.
- If the dressing seems too thick after chilling, whisk in a tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of Greek yogurt to loosen it.
- Save a little extra everything bagel seasoning to sprinkle on top for that finishing touch that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is.
Save This pasta salad has become my reliable answer when someone asks me to bring something to gather. It's the kind of dish that makes you look like you put in effort when really you just combined good ingredients in a smart way.
Kitchen Guide
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing well and provide a nice texture contrast with the other ingredients.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
- → Is there a way to lighten the dressing?
Replacing mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt reduces fat while maintaining creaminess and tang.
- → What adds the signature flavor to the dressing?
The everything bagel seasoning, combined with lemon juice and Dijon mustard, offers a bold, savory, and slightly tangy profile that defines the dish.
- → Can I customize the vegetables in this pasta?
Yes, feel free to add or substitute vegetables like avocado or bell peppers for varied texture and flavor, while keeping the overall balance.
- → Is this dish suitable for potlucks or picnics?
Absolutely, it’s a vibrant, easy-to-transport cold dish perfect for gatherings and outdoor meals.