Everything Bagel Chicken Pasta

I threw this together one Saturday afternoon when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a jar of everything bagel seasoning staring at me from the pantry. The idea hit me while spreading cream cheese on a bagel: why not turn that addictive flavor into a pasta salad? It worked better than I imagined, and now I make it every time I need something quick, filling, and a little bit different.

The first time I brought this to a potluck, someone asked if I had catered it. I laughed and told them it was just pasta, chicken, and a spice blend I impulse-bought at the grocery store. By the end of the night, the bowl was scraped clean and three people had texted me for the recipe. That is when I knew this one was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Short pasta: Rotini or penne are ideal because their ridges and curves grab onto the creamy dressing, making every bite flavorful.
• Cooked chicken breasts: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a subtle roasted flavor, but any leftover chicken works beautifully.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halving them releases a little juice that brightens the whole salad and cuts through the richness.
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of coolness that balances the creamy dressing.
• Red onion: Finely diced raw onion gives a sharp bite, if you prefer it milder, soak the diced onion in cold water for five minutes first.
• Celery: Brings a clean, crisp texture and a slightly peppery note that complements the everything bagel seasoning.
• Scallions: Their mild onion flavor and bright green color make the salad look and taste fresher.
• Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: The mayo adds richness while the yogurt keeps things tangy and a bit lighter, together they create the perfect creamy base.
• Lemon juice: A splash wakes up all the other flavors and keeps the salad from tasting flat.
• Dijon mustard: It adds a subtle sharpness and helps the dressing emulsify into a silky coating.
• Everything bagel seasoning: This is the star, bringing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt in one convenient shake.
• Feta or cream cheese cubes: Optional, but they add little pockets of creamy tang that feel like a surprise in every few bites.
• Fresh dill: A handful of chopped dill makes the whole dish smell like summer and ties the flavors together.

Instructions

Cook and cool the pasta:

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from turning mushy in the salad.

Prep the mix-ins:

Toss the cooled pasta with shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, celery, and scallions in a large bowl. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each serving has a bit of everything.

Whisk the dressing:

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Toss it all together:

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl and make sure nothing gets left behind.

Fold in the extras:

If using feta, cream cheese, or dill, fold them in now so they stay in chunky pieces instead of getting mashed into the dressing.

Chill and let it meld:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the pasta soak up the dressing and the flavors blend together beautifully.

Garnish and serve:

Right before serving, sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning on top for a pop of texture and visual appeal.

Save

One warm June evening, I packed this salad into a big glass bowl and brought it to a backyard barbecue. While the burgers sizzled, everyone kept wandering back to the picnic table for another scoop. My friend Sarah said it reminded her of her favorite deli back in Brooklyn, which made me happier than any compliment about my cooking skills ever could.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for Sunday meal prep. I like to portion it into individual containers so I can grab lunch on busy mornings without thinking. If you are prepping ahead, hold off on adding the cucumber and tomatoes until the day you plan to eat it, they can release water and make the salad watery if they sit too long. The dressing actually gets better as it sits, soaking into the pasta and deepening the flavor with every passing hour.

Swaps and Variations

I have made this with every short pasta shape I could find, and they all work, though I think rotini holds the dressing best. If you want to make it lighter, swap all the mayo for Greek yogurt, it will be tangier but still creamy and satisfying. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your everything bagel seasoning does not have any sneaky wheat-based fillers. Sometimes I toss in diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess, or swap the chicken for chickpeas if I am feeding a vegetarian crowd.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines as a main dish on its own, but it also plays well alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or a simple green salad. I love serving it at picnics because it does not wilt in the heat like lettuce-based salads do, and it tastes great at room temperature. If you are hosting a brunch, it pairs beautifully with bagels and cream cheese for a fun thematic spread. A chilled glass of white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or even iced tea makes the perfect companion.

• Serve it in individual mason jars for a cute portable lunch option.
• Top each serving with a few extra sesame seeds or a lemon wedge for brightness.
• Pair it with garlic bread or pita chips if you want something to scoop with.

Save

This pasta salad has become my go-to whenever I need something reliable, flavorful, and easy to share. It reminds me that the best recipes are the ones you can make without stress and still feel proud to put on the table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli hold the dressing well and provide a satisfying bite.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, cooked chicken breasts can be shredded or diced in advance to speed up assembly.

→ Is there a lighter dressing option available?

Replacing mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt creates a lighter, tangier dressing variant.

→ How should the salad be stored before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so flavors blend well and the pasta stays chilled.

→ What can be added for extra creaminess and flavor?

Crumbled feta or small cream cheese cubes along with chopped fresh dill add richness and freshness.

→ Are there any common allergens to watch for?

This dish contains eggs, milk, wheat, and potentially sesame from everything bagel seasoning; check ingredient labels carefully.