Save I made this on a whim one Saturday after staring at leftover rotisserie chicken and a jar of everything bagel seasoning I'd been hoarding. The idea hit me while spreading cream cheese on a bagel—why not turn that flavor into something bigger? Within half an hour, I had a bowl of cold pasta salad that tasted like summer and a New York deli had a baby. My neighbor wandered over, took one bite, and asked if I was catering her book club.
The first time I brought this to a potluck, someone asked for the recipe before they even finished chewing. I watched three people go back for seconds, and one guy scraped the bowl with his fork when he thought no one was looking. It became my signature dish without me even trying, the thing people now expect me to show up with.
Ingredients
- Short pasta: Rotini or penne grab onto the dressing better than smooth noodles, and they hold up in the fridge without turning to mush.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, already juicy and seasoned, saving you from turning on the stove.
- Cherry tomatoes: They add little bursts of sweetness and juice that cut through the creamy dressing.
- Cucumber: Crisp and cool, it keeps the salad from feeling too heavy, especially on a hot day.
- Red onion: A small amount gives a sharp bite that wakes everything up without overpowering the bowl.
- Celery: The crunch is essential, and it adds a fresh, almost grassy note that balances the richness.
- Scallions: Milder than raw onion, they bring a gentle sharpness and a pop of green.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes everything stick together and feel indulgent.
- Greek yogurt: It lightens the dressing and adds a slight tang that keeps it from being too rich.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole thing and keeps the flavors from going flat.
- Dijon mustard: A little sharpness and depth that makes the dressing more interesting than plain mayo.
- Everything bagel seasoning: The star of the show, bringing garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds all at once.
- Feta or cream cheese cubes: Optional, but they add creamy, tangy pockets that make every bite a little different.
- Fresh dill: If you have it, it makes the whole thing taste brighter and more intentional.
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta:
- Boil the pasta in well salted water until it still has a little bite, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps it firm and prevents a gummy mess later.
- Combine the base:
- Toss the cooled pasta with the chicken and all the chopped vegetables in a big bowl. Everything should look colorful and crowded.
- Whisk the dressing:
- In a smaller bowl, mix the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper, it should be tangy and bold.
- Dress the salad:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated. Use a big spoon or your hands if no one is watching.
- Add the extras:
- Fold in the feta or cream cheese and dill if youre using them. Be gentle so the cheese doesnt turn into a smear.
- Chill and rest:
- Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least half an hour. The flavors need time to get friendly with each other.
- Garnish and serve:
- Right before serving, sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top. It looks pretty and reminds people what theyre about to taste.
Save I ate this straight from the bowl one night after a long shift, standing at the counter in my socks, and it felt like a hug. Something about the cold pasta, the crunch, and that everything bagel funk made the day feel less heavy. It reminded me that good food doesnt have to be complicated to matter.
Make It Your Own
This salad is forgiving and adaptable. Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or canned tuna if thats what you have. Add diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess, or toss in some chopped bell pepper for more crunch and color. If you want it lighter, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo, it will still taste rich and tangy. Gluten free pasta works perfectly here, just cook it a minute less than the package says so it doesnt get soft.
Storing and Serving
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The vegetables stay crisp and the dressing clings better after the first day. If youre making it ahead for a party, hold off on adding the feta and dill until right before serving so they stay fresh. Let it sit out for about ten minutes before serving if its too cold, the flavors open up a little at cool room temperature.
What to Serve It With
This pasta salad is hearty enough to eat on its own, but it shines next to grilled burgers, hot dogs, or a simple green salad. I like it with a cold glass of white wine or sparkling water with a wedge of lemon. It also travels well to picnics and potlucks, just pack it in a cooler and bring extra napkins.
- Grilled chicken skewers or veggie kebabs for a full summer spread.
- A crisp coleslaw or arugula salad to add more greens.
- Fresh fruit like watermelon or berries to balance the richness.
Save This salad has saved me more times than I can count, from last minute lunches to unexpected guests. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you make without thinking, the kind that feels like home no matter where you eat it.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work well to hold the dressing and mix easily with the ingredients.
- → Is it necessary to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor blend and texture, making the dish more refreshing and cohesive.
- → What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt to keep the creaminess with fewer calories.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, it holds well refrigerated for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to deepen, making it ideal for meal prepping or events.
- → How does everything bagel seasoning affect the flavor?
It adds a savory, garlicky, and nutty profile with hints of sesame and poppy seeds, giving the dish a unique depth and crunch.
- → Can I add other ingredients for variation?
Optional additions like crumbled feta, cream cheese cubes, or fresh dill enhance creaminess and add fresh, bright notes.