Pin It There's something about everything bagel seasoning that just makes you want to cook. I'd grabbed a jar on impulse at the grocery store, and for weeks it sat in my pantry until a sweltering afternoon when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and absolutely no appetite for anything hot. I started throwing together a pasta salad almost absentmindedly, and when I sprinkled that seasoning on top, something clicked. Suddenly, this became the dish I'd make over and over through the summer.
The first time I served this was at a crowded backyard gathering on a humid July evening. I remember standing near the salad bowl and watching people go back for seconds without hesitation, which doesn't happen often with cold pasta salads. My friend Sarah pulled me aside later asking if there was some secret ingredient, and I realized the everything bagel seasoning was doing all the heavy lifting, turning something ordinary into something memorable.
Ingredients
- Short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli): 250 g (9 oz). These shapes trap the dressing beautifully and hold up better in a salad than long pastas.
- Cooked chicken breasts: 2 breasts, shredded or diced (about 300 g / 10 oz). Use rotisserie if you're short on time; it's juicier than homemade chicken breast.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved. Their sweetness balances the savory bagel seasoning.
- Cucumber: 1/2 cup, diced. Keep it in large pieces so it doesn't get watery.
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced. It adds bite that rounds out the dressing.
- Celery: 1/2 cup, thinly sliced. This keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
- Scallions: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced. They're fresher than onion and add a gentle allium note.
- Mayonnaise: 120 g (1/2 cup). This is the base; don't skip it or use oil-free alternatives.
- Plain Greek yogurt: 60 g (1/4 cup). It cuts the mayo richness while keeping everything creamy.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp. Fresh lemon makes a tangible difference.
- Dijon mustard: 2 tsp. A small amount adds depth without overpowering.
- Everything bagel seasoning: 1 tbsp plus extra for garnish. This is the star, so don't hold back.
- Salt and black pepper: to taste. Taste as you go, since the seasoning already brings salt.
- Optional add-ins: Feta or cream cheese cubes and fresh dill enhance texture and flavor if you have them on hand.
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water immediately so it stops cooking and cools down quickly. You want it tender but still with a slight chew.
- Combine pasta and vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, celery, and scallions. Keep the vegetables in good-sized pieces so they maintain their texture.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and everything bagel seasoning until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper carefully, since the seasoning brings its own saltiness.
- Toss everything together:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until every strand is coated. This is the moment where it all comes together.
- Add optional ingredients:
- Fold in the crumbled feta or cream cheese cubes and fresh dill if you're using them. Be gentle so you don't mash anything.
- Chill and let flavors meld:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours is even better. The flavors deepen and the pasta absorbs the dressing as it sits.
- Finish and serve:
- Just before serving, give it a gentle stir and sprinkle a little more everything bagel seasoning on top for garnish and that final visual pop.
Pin It I made this once for my neighbor who'd just come home from the hospital, and she told me weeks later that this salad was the first thing that made her feel like herself again. There's something generous about handing someone a bowl of cold pasta salad on a difficult day, and this one does the work of being comforting without being heavy.
Why Everything Bagel Seasoning Changes the Game
Everything bagel seasoning is brilliant because it brings umami, salt, sweetness from the onion and garlic, and a subtle poppy seed nuttiness all at once. You don't need to layer flavors throughout the salad; the seasoning does that for you. It's forgiving too. If your dressing tastes a little bland, a pinch more fixes it without scrambling for three different jars.
How to Make It Your Own
The beautiful thing about this salad is how flexible it is. I've made it with shredded rotisserie chicken when I'm busy, swapped in diced turkey when chicken wasn't on hand, and added avocado slices right before serving when I wanted extra richness. One time I stirred in some crumbled bacon at the last second, and it became a completely different dish. The core stays strong no matter what you adjust.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This salad actually improves slightly when it sits in the fridge for a few hours before serving, as the pasta continues to absorb the dressing. It keeps well for two to three days, though the vegetables gradually soften. If you're making it for an event more than a day away, hold back the crumbled cheese and fresh herbs, adding them right before you serve so they stay fresh.
- Store in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving if it looks dry.
- If you need to transport it to a picnic, pack the extra garnish separately and sprinkle it on just before serving.
- A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt stirred in right before serving refreshes the whole bowl if it's been sitting.
Pin It This pasta salad has become my answer to almost every potluck invitation and easy dinner night. It's one of those recipes that doesn't ask for much but gives back generously every single time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best as they hold the dressing well and mix evenly with the ingredients.
- → Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste and texture, though it can be served immediately if needed.
- → What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing?
Replacing mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt creates a lighter and tangier dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Yes, additions like diced avocado or fresh herbs such as dill add freshness and depth, complementing the everything bagel seasoning.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it keeps well refrigerated for up to two days, making it ideal for easy lunches or potluck contributions.
- → How can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Substitute gluten-free pasta and omit or replace dairy components to suit specific allergies or preferences.