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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Dinner ยป Pasta

    Leftover Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Published: May 19, 2022 ยท Updated: Apr 21, 2025 by Neil 12 Comments

    35 shares
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    Jump to Recipe
    A plate of leftover chicken macaroni salad with a fork to the side. Pin title text overlay at top.

    Leftover chicken macaroni salad. An easy to make delicious low-cost creamy pasta salad. Perfect as a busy weeknight meal or as a side.

    A plate of leftover chicken macaroni salad. Rest of the salad in a serving bowl in the background. Salt and pepper cellars and cherry tomatoes in between.

    This tasty chicken macaroni salad is made with leftover roast chicken, macaroni and a low calorie mayonnaise base.

    Don't worry if you don't have any leftover roast chicken I've got you covered in the FAQ's section below for how to make shredded chicken from a boneless chicken breast.

    And if you're looking for a leftover chicken salad recipe without pasta then check out my leftover roast chicken salad!

    This easy pasta salad recipe is very customisable too. It uses simple ingredients to create the creamy dressing.

    Then you can pretty much put in whatever salad ingredients you can get your hands on.

    You can have this salad for any meal you like.

    I often make packed lunches from this recipe. Any leftovers can be used up as a side dish with whatever we're having for dinner as our main dish as well.

    Birds eye view of a plate of chicken macaroni salad with a fork to the left side. At the top rest of the salad in a white serving bowl. Salt and pepper cellars and cherry tomatoes in between.

    Pasta salads are often the best quick to make comfort foods.

    This easy chicken macaroni salad recipe takes only 30 minutes to make and serve.

    You can also used canned chicken or any other kind of leftover cooked chicken for this recipe. I just prefer to use up any chicken from our Sunday roast for the best result.

    As you know nothing goes to waste in this household. Especially with the cost of living increases.

    This classic chicken macaroni salad is a great option as a budget friendly recipe.

    And if you're looking for other pasta salad ideas then check out my other favorite pasta salads below!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Chicken Macaroni Salad
    • Substitutions
    • FAQ's
    • Other Popular Pasta Salads For You To Enjoy
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ Leftover Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for leftover chicken macaroni salad.
    • Low Fat Mayonnaise
    • Dijon Mustard
    • White Wine Vinegar
    • Macaroni
    • Cooked Shredded Chicken
    • Yellow Pepper
    • Red Onion
    • Cherry Tomatoes
    • Spring Onions
    • Rocket (Arugula)
    • Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How To Make Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make leftover chicken macaroni salad:

    Small glass Pyrex bowl with all of the salad dressing ingredients mixed together and a whisk in.

    Step 1

    • Make salad dressing.
    Cooked and drained macaroni sitting in a sieve over a pot.

    Step 2

    • Cook pasta and drain.
    All salad ingredients and chicken in a large mixing bowl.

    Step 3

    • Place salad ingredients into a large bowl.
    All leftover chicken macaroni salad ingredients in large mixing bowl combined with the salad dressing.

    Step 4

    • Combine dressing, cooked macaroni and all salad ingredients together in large mixing bowl.
    Served leftover chicken macaroni salad on a plate with a fork to the side. Rest of the chicken salad in a white salad serving bowl in the background. Salt and pepper cellars to the right and three cherry tomatoes to the left.

    Step 4 cont.

    • Season to taste and serve.

    Substitutions

    • Low Fat Mayonnaise - use full fat if you want but it will change the nutritional values.
    • Dijon Mustard
    • White Wine Vinegar - you could use apple cider vinegar instead.
    • Macaroni - I use elbow macaroni.
    • Cooked Shredded Chicken - substitute with a can of tuna to make tuna macaroni salad instead.
    • Yellow Pepper - use a red bell pepper or green bell peppers if you want.
    • Red Onion - use a small green onion if you want.
    • Cherry Tomatoes
    • Spring Onions
    • Rocket (Arugula) - I like rocket for the peppery taste. Feel free to substitute with whatever lettuce you like.
    • Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper

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    FAQ's

    How To Make Chicken Macaroni Salad Without Leftover Roast Chicken?

    1. Place a large skinless chicken breast into a saucepan of 450ml chicken stock. 
    2. Bring to the boil then reduce heat to simmering.
    3. Let the chicken simmer until cooked through. About 10 minutes.
    4. Remove the chicken, place it on a chopping board and shred it using two forks.

    How Many Days Will Chicken Salad Keep?

    Up to 3 days in the fridge kept in an airtight container.

    Can You Freeze Chicken Macaroni Salad?

    No. This is not a recipe that I would recommend freezing as it wll become all watery on defrosting.

    Other Popular Pasta Salads For You To Enjoy

    Tuna, Pasta and Sweetcorn Salad
    This tuna pasta and sweetcorn salad makes for a perfect quick healthy meal. Made with a low calorie dressing and packed with delicious fresh salad ingredients its also great as a packed lunch option too.
    Check out this recipe
    This tuna pasta and sweetcorn salad makes for a perfect quick healthy meal. Made with a low calorie dressing and packed with delicious fresh salad ingredients its also great as a packed lunch option too.
    Salmon Macaroni Salad
    Salmon macaroni salad is an easy and delicious to make fish pasta salad recipe. Made in just 20 minutes it serves four and is perfect as a lunch or dinner option!
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of salmon macaroni salad with a fork on. The rest of the salmon salad in the background in a large serving bowl with a serving spoon in between.
    Honey Mustard Turkey Pasta Salad
    Easy honey mustard turkey pasta salad with a really simple dressing that adds a whole lot of flavour!
    Check out this recipe
    This easy honey mustard turkey pasta salad uses a really simple dressing which adds a whole lot of flavour to this recipe and it’s one that is versatile enough for you to use in your own pasta salad recipes too!
    📋 Roasted Corn Pasta Salad
    Roasted corn pasta salad is a delightful summer dish. It’s completely versatile, adaptable and suitable for all year round too.
    Check out this recipe
    Overhead view of a bowl of freshly made roasted corn pasta salad. Dishes of sliced tomato and cucumber above alongside salt and pepper cellars.
    A plate of leftover chicken macaroni salad. Rest of the salad in a serving bowl in the background. Salt and pepper cellars and cherry tomatoes in between.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 5 votes

    📋 Leftover Chicken Macaroni Salad Recipe

    Leftover chicken macaroni salad. An easy to make delicious low-cost creamy pasta salad. Perfect as a busy weeknight meal or as a side!
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: International
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 365kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Kitchen scale
    • Saucepans
    • Pyrex mixing glass bowl
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Measuring spoons
    • Colander
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • 8 tablespoon low fat mayonnaise
    • 3 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

    Salad

    • 220 g macaroni
    • 150 g cooked shredded chicken
    • ยผ yellow Pepper finely chopped
    • ยฝ small red onion finely chopped
    • 12 cherry tomatoes halved
    • 4 spring onions chopped
    • 60 g rocket
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    Dressing

    • Add all the dressing ingredients into a small Pyrex bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.

    Salad

    • Cook the pasta as per the packet instructions, drain, rinse under cold water and set aside to cool.
    • While the pasta is cooking prepare and place the rest of the salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
    • Add cooled macaroni to large mixing bowl, pour over the dressing and toss well together. Season to taste and serve.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 783IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Leftover Chicken Macaroni Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 365 Calories from Fat 90
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10g15%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Cholesterol 33mg11%
    Sodium 399mg17%
    Potassium 470mg13%
    Carbohydrates 49g16%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 5g6%
    Protein 18g36%
    Vitamin A 783IU16%
    Vitamin C 31mg38%
    Calcium 67mg7%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this chicken macaroni salad recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Related

    « Oven Baked Chicken And Brown Rice Casserole
    Quick Salmon Stir Fry »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Charlie DeSando

      May 19, 2022 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      Neil, perfect use of leftovers. Very creative and quite tasty

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:13 am

        Thanks Charlie. I love making maximum use of leftovers!

        Reply
    2. David @ Spiced

      May 19, 2022 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      What a great way to repurpose leftovers, Neil! We often keep bags of roasted, chopped chicken in the freezer just for easy recipes like this one. I love pasta salads once we hit the warmer days of summer, and I definitely want to make a batch of this mac salad!

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:14 am

        That's exactly what this salad is for David. I was thinking about summer and pasta salads for picnics. Hope you get a chance to make this!

        Reply
    3. Linger, Kristy Murray

      May 19, 2022 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfect pasta salad for a Memorial day celebration cookout. I love simple recipes that have both depths of flavors and texture which this chicken macaroni salad definitely incorporates. And what a great way to use leftover chicken. Summertime is such a wonderful "pasta salad" season. Looking forward to trying out your recipe. Thanks so much for sharing.

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:16 am

        It would make a great pasta salad for Memorial day for you Kirsty. Hope you get a chance to make it and thanks for taking the time to rate and comment on my recipes!

        Reply
    4. Michelle

      May 19, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      We've always got leftover macaroni but never thought to turn it into salad -- what a great idea! Will have to make this the next time I've got leftovers!

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:16 am

        I always make too much pasta as well Michelle so yeah this is a great way to use it up. Delicious incorporated with the chicken. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Raymund

      May 19, 2022 at 10:34 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe to use leftover roast chicken, we always have the breasts as a leftover and this is a perfect way to revive them. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:17 am

        Thanks Raymund. I actually think that I prefer roast chicken the day after when it is cold and perfect for leftover chicken recipes like this. Ha ha!

        Reply
    6. Chef Mimi

      May 19, 2022 at 11:45 pm

      Love this! Certainly a great way to use leftover chicken. Even leftover pasta! Love the arugula in this.

      Reply
      • Neil

        May 20, 2022 at 7:18 am

        Thanks Mimi. Yes the argula gives the salad a lovely peppery taste in the background. It's not too overpowering though.

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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