Save on Pinterest There's something about the middle of summer when you realize you've got a rotisserie chicken in the fridge, half a box of pasta, and absolutely zero energy to cook anything hot. That's exactly when I threw together this everything bagel pasta salad for the first time—not out of inspiration, but pure necessity. The moment I tasted it, with that savory, garlicky bagel seasoning hitting every single bite, I knew I'd stumbled onto something that would become my go-to move for potlucks and lazy weeknight dinners.
I made this for my cousin's backyard birthday party, and honestly, it disappeared faster than anything else on the table—and there was homemade potato salad competing for attention. People kept coming back asking what made it taste so good, and when I told them it was just the everything bagel seasoning doing its magic, they looked at me like I'd revealed a state secret. That's when I realized this salad had real staying power.
Ingredients
- Short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli): The shape matters more than you'd think—these catch the creamy dressing in every little crevice, making sure no bite feels boring.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort, though cooking your own works beautifully too if you want to control the seasoning.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halving them instead of quartering keeps them from disappearing into the pasta, and their little bursts of brightness balance the richness of the dressing.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp texture that keeps this salad from feeling heavy even on the warmest days.
- Red onion: A quarter cup of finely diced red onion gives a gentle bite without overpowering—this is not the time to go heavy-handed.
- Celery: Thinly sliced, it brings a subtle crunch that quietly makes the whole thing more interesting.
- Scallions: A fresh finishing touch that ties the whole dish together with a whisper of onion flavor.
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: Together they create a dressing that's creamy but not heavy—the yogurt keeps it from feeling like you ate a jar of mayo.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything and keeps the dressing from tasting flat or one-note.
- Dijon mustard: A teaspoon is all you need to add depth and prevent the dressing from tasting too sweet.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is the star—the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and salt create a flavor that feels both unexpected and completely right.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until it's just right:
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta to al dente—not mushy, not crunchy. Drain it, then rinse under cold water until it's completely cooled; this stops the cooking and keeps each piece separate and springy.
- Combine the base ingredients:
- In your largest bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, celery, and scallions. This is where the salad starts to come together visually, and you can already see how colorful it's going to be.
- Build your dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth and no lumps remain. Taste it and adjust the seasoning—this is your moment to make it yours.
- Dress and toss:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until every piece gets coated. You might feel like you don't have enough dressing at first, but it will distribute evenly and coat everything beautifully.
- Add optional ingredients:
- If you're using feta or cream cheese, fold it in gently along with fresh dill so it doesn't get mashed into the salad.
- Let it rest in the refrigerator:
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the pasta can absorb the flavors and everything comes together as one cohesive dish.
- Finish with a flourish:
- Right before serving, sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for both visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor in each bite.
Save on Pinterest My neighbor brought over her family unexpectedly one summer evening, and I had exactly 20 minutes to pull together something that didn't look thrown together. This salad made me look like I'd planned the whole thing, and honestly, that moment taught me that the best recipes are the ones that feel effortless even when you're working against the clock.
Why This Salad Became My Secret Weapon
There's something about everything bagel seasoning that makes people stop mid-bite and ask what's in the dressing. It's savory and slightly salty with hints of garlic and sesame, but it never feels like you can pinpoint exactly what you're tasting—and that mystery is exactly what makes people come back for seconds. The combination of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy dressing means every element matters, but nothing overshadows anything else, which is why this salad feels balanced rather than chaotic.
How to Make It Your Own
The beauty of this salad is that it's a framework, not a strict set of rules. I've made it with avocado folded in for richness, swapped in gluten-free pasta when friends with dietary restrictions came over, and even used crumbled goat cheese instead of feta when that's what I had on hand. Each version tastes different but equally good, which is why I keep coming back to this recipe as my starting point.
Storage and Serving Tips
This salad actually improves after a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prep or having ready for unexpected guests. The dressing keeps everything moist without making it soggy, and the vegetables stay crisp longer than you'd expect. If you're bringing it to a potluck or a picnic, pack it in a container and transport it in a cooler—it travels beautifully and tastes just as good at room temperature as it does cold.
- Make it up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If it seems dry after sitting, whisk in a tablespoon of extra yogurt to refresh the dressing.
- Save a little extra everything bagel seasoning for a final garnish right before serving, as it adds visual appeal and a flavor punch.
Save on Pinterest This salad has become the recipe I turn to when I want to feed people something that tastes like you tried, but doesn't require you to spend all day in the kitchen. It's comfort food that happens to be light and refreshing, which might be the best thing you can say about any dish.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Short shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing well and complement the mix of ingredients.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for convenience?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- → What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
Using all Greek yogurt creates a lighter dressing with a tangy profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → Is everything bagel seasoning spicy?
It offers savory, nutty, and slightly pungent notes from seeds and spices, but it’s generally mild on heat.