Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad brilliantly captures the beloved flavors of the internet-famous Marry Me Chicken and transforms them into a refreshing, vibrant pasta salad, complete with the absolute best homemade dressing. This dish is destined to become your new favorite for potlucks, picnics, and simple weeknight dinners.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Recipe

The original Marry Me Chicken has captivated hearts (and taste buds!) for good reason. Its rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful profile has made it a viral sensation, often joked about for sparking marriage proposals. This iconic dish has certainly been a treasured favorite in my own home, known for its ability to impress even the pickiest eaters.

As the weather warms and longer days beckon us outdoors, I found myself craving those unforgettable “Marry Me” flavors in a lighter, more refreshing format. The result? This sensational Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad! It takes all the irresistible elements of the original — succulent chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil — and combines them with perfectly cooked pasta and crisp vegetables, all coated in a bright, zesty dressing.

This pasta salad isn’t just an excellent side dish for your summer barbecue; it’s robust and satisfying enough to stand alone as a complete main course. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings, and it travels wonderfully, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep throughout the week. Get ready to fall in love with this fresh take on a beloved classic!

Why You’ll Adore This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

• Effortlessly Delicious: Achieve gourmet flavors with minimal fuss. This recipe is straightforward, yet the results are incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a festive backyard BBQ, a potluck with friends, or a simple lunch, this pasta salad fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance, and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness, or enjoy leftovers as the flavors meld beautifully.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand, from different pastas to various vegetables and protein swaps.
• Irresistible Dressing: The homemade dressing ties everything together, offering a balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that truly elevates the salad.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar and beloved “Marry Me” flavors are a guaranteed hit with almost everyone!

Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Crafting this phenomenal pasta salad begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Fusilli Bucati or Similar Pasta: We recommend fusilli bucati because its unique corkscrew shape, with a hollow center, is excellent at capturing and holding onto the delicious dressing. Alternatively, shapes like rotini or bowties (farfalle) work equally well for their ability to cling to sauce and add visual interest. Cook your pasta al dente for the best texture in a cold salad – nobody likes mushy pasta!
• English Cucumbers: These are preferred for their mild flavor, crisp texture, and fewer, smaller seeds compared to regular cucumbers. Slicing them into half moons adds a pleasant crunch and freshness to every bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet and tangy flavor, cherry or grape tomatoes add beautiful color and juiciness. Halving them ensures they’re bite-sized and distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.
• Cooked Chicken: The star protein! For ultimate convenience, use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation. This makes the recipe incredibly quick to put together.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs are essential for the “Marry Me” profile. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (preferably those packed with herbs) as they offer a richer, more supple texture and infuse the salad with incredible depth. Coarsely chop them to ensure a good distribution of their intense taste.
• Feta Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, choose a block of feta and crumble it yourself. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents that can dry it out and diminish its creamy, briny notes. Freshly crumbled feta provides a wonderful salty tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is non-negotiable for its aromatic, sweet, and slightly peppery notes. Gently tear the leaves by hand rather than cutting them with a knife; this prevents bruising and helps retain their vibrant green color and delicate aroma. Add it at the end to keep it fresh and fragrant.

The Irresistible Dressing for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

A great pasta salad is only as good as its dressing, and this one truly steals the show. It’s a perfectly balanced blend of tangy, savory, and subtly sweet elements that coat every ingredient beautifully.

• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is key here, providing a smooth base and a rich, fruity flavor that enhances all the other ingredients. Its quality directly impacts the dressing’s taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a crucial tangy brightness, cutting through the richness of the other components. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar or even white wine vinegar can be used as a suitable substitute, offering a slightly different, but still pleasant, acidity.
• Garlic Paste or Minced Garlic: Garlic is a foundational flavor. Garlic paste blends seamlessly into the dressing, ensuring an even distribution of its pungent aroma and taste. Freshly minced garlic works just as well and provides a slightly more rustic texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Far from just a condiment, Dijon mustard plays a vital role in emulsifying the dressing, helping the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth, cohesive mixture. It also contributes a sophisticated, slightly sharp flavor that adds depth without being overpowering.
• Honey: A touch of honey introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the sharpness of the Dijon. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal taste; some prefer a sweeter dressing, while others like it more tart.
• Italian Seasoning: This convenient dried herb blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It’s perfect for adding a complex, herbaceous backdrop that complements the “Marry Me” profile.
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings bring all the flavors into harmony. Always start with the recommended amounts and then taste the finished salad, adjusting as needed. Remember, seasoning can make or break a dish!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding pasta salad is all about the details. Follow these tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is nothing short of spectacular:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This is crucial for any pasta salad. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and breaks apart easily when tossed. Al dente pasta holds its shape and provides a pleasant chew, even after chilling. Follow package directions closely, and err on the side of slightly undercooking rather than overcooking.
• Rinse Cooked Pasta with Cold Water: Unlike hot pasta dishes where you want the starch to help sauce cling, for cold pasta salads, rinsing with cold water is beneficial. It immediately stops the cooking process, prevents the pasta from sticking together, and removes excess starch, ensuring a lighter texture for your salad. Shake it very well to remove all excess water.
• Chill Pasta Before Mixing: Once rinsed, toss the pasta with about two-thirds of the dressing and refrigerate it until thoroughly cooled. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the dressing’s flavor as it chills, preventing it from tasting bland.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Since this salad relies on fresh flavors, the quality of your ingredients truly shines. Use good extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best results. The difference is noticeable!
• Dress in Stages: Start by coating the cooled pasta with most of the dressing, then add the remaining dressing right before serving. This ensures the salad stays moist and flavorful without becoming soggy, especially if making ahead.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more honey or vinegar to perfectly balance the flavors to your preference.
• Gently Mix: Once the pasta is chilled and the other ingredients are added, toss everything gently. This prevents the pasta from breaking and helps keep the delicate basil leaves from bruising too much.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

While this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and delightful spread. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled Vegetables: Complement the salad with a medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or summer squash. A light char adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the pasta salad’s fresh flavors.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad featuring seasonal berries, melon, grapes, or citrus segments provides a sweet, refreshing contrast to the savory pasta salad. The coolness of fresh fruit is especially welcome on a warm day.
• Corn on the Cob: Nothing says summer quite like corn on the cob! Serve it simply grilled or boiled with butter and salt, or elevate it with a sprinkle of cheese and chili powder for a Mexican-style “Elote” twist.
• Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf of no-knead bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover delicious dressing from the bottom of the bowl. It adds a satisfying textural element and makes the meal feel more robust. Garlic bread is also an excellent choice!
• Light Soup: For a slightly cooler evening or a more refined meal, a light, chilled soup like gazpacho or a cucumber-dill soup can be a refreshing appetizer alongside the pasta salad.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad: Creative Swaps and Variations

One of the best things about pasta salad is its versatility. Feel free to customize this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad with these exciting swaps and additions to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Try a New Pasta Shape: While fusilli bucati is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even orecchiette would work wonderfully. Each shape offers a slightly different texture and way to capture the dressing, much like in this marry me pasta.
• Change the Protein: Swap out the chicken for other delicious options. Diced turkey, leftover grilled salmon, or even shrimp make excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas, white beans, or pan-fried tofu cubes.
• Add More Greens: Boost the nutritional content and add more color by mixing in a handful of baby spinach, arugula, or finely chopped kale. Add them just before serving to prevent wilting.
• Use a Different Cheese: Instead of feta, try small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for a creamier, milder cheese experience. Shaved Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese could also add interesting flavor profiles.
• Introduce a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing. You could also add a finely minced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Boost the Crunch Factor: Add delightful texture with crunchy toppings. Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds offer a nutty crunch. For a savory, smoky addition, crumbled crispy bacon bits are always a hit.
• Extra Veggies: Expand the vegetable medley with ingredients like diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced red onion (soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness), artichoke hearts, or black olives.
• Fresh Herbs Variation: While basil is key, a mix of fresh parsley or a touch of oregano could also complement the flavors beautifully.
• Tangy Additions: For an extra burst of tang, consider adding a tablespoon of capers or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.

More Irresistible Pasta Salad Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of pasta salads, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delightful combinations waiting to be explored. Here are some other fantastic pasta salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Classic Chicken Pasta Salad: A timeless favorite, packed with loads of fresh veggies and crispy bacon for a satisfying meal.
• Vibrant Greek Pasta Salad: Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, featuring olives, feta, and a simple yet robust dressing that transports you to the islands.
• Zesty Taco Pasta Salad: A fun and flavorful fusion, combining the best of taco night with a creamy, spiced dressing and all your favorite toppings.
• Hearty BLT Pasta Salad: All the delicious components of a classic BLT sandwich – crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes – reinvented in a convenient pasta salad form.
• Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: Inspired by Elote, this salad features sweet corn, black beans, and a creamy, tangy dressing that’s incredibly addictive.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad

By: Chelsea Lords

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Salad transforms the immensely popular Marry Me Chicken into an incredible cold pasta salad, filled with tender chicken, aromatic fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and an exquisitely balanced dressing. It’s the perfect light yet satisfying dish for any meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 4 servings as a main or 12 as a side

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Mason jar (for dressing)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound package Fusilli Bucati pasta (or rotini or bowties)
• 1 cup cucumbers, sliced into half moons
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), coarsely chopped
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (from a block for best flavor)
• 1 gently packed cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a wide-mouth mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic paste, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to use it.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot with 12 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly, then rinse it under cold water for about 20 seconds to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off any excess water completely.
3. Pre-Dress and Chill Pasta: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Give the refrigerated dressing another good shake, then pour about two-thirds of it over the pasta. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it is evenly coated. Refrigerate the pasta, allowing it to cool down completely, for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Assemble the Salad: Once the pasta is fully chilled, add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced cooked chicken, coarsely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and torn fresh basil leaves to the bowl with the pasta.
5. Final Toss and Serve: Pour the remaining dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are well combined and coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Notes

For the freshest taste, this pasta salad is best enjoyed on the day it is made. If preparing in advance, keep the salad ingredients and dressing separate in sealed containers in the fridge, combining them just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 895 kcal

Carbohydrates: 101.8 g

Protein: 35.5 g

Fat: 40.5 g

Saturated Fat: 9.2 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.2 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 21.2 g

Cholesterol: 61.2 mg

Sodium: 770.6 mg

Potassium: 650 mg

Fiber: 6.2 g

Sugar: 10.5 g

Vitamin A: 780 IU

Vitamin C: 8.3 mg

Calcium: 174 mg

Iron: 2.1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.