Copycat Hug-Hes Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe (2025)

Calling all Hug-Hes fanatics! We have cracked the code on this legendary chicken pasta salad and let me tell you, our copycat recipe is absolutely delicious! It’s the perfect homage to the Hug-Hes Cafe original pasta salad that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. We stuck the landing on the famous sweet pasta dressing too. Forget the long lines and mystery ingredients – we’re bringing the Hug-Hes magic right to your table.

The combination of perfectly cooked bowtie and rotini pasta (also known as spiral pasta), juicy skinless chicken breast, kidney beans, carrots, and broccoli, all tossed in our homemade dip, guarantees a taste of yum in every bite.

The incorporation of provolone cheese adds a refreshing counterpoint to the Tabasco sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. And for those feeling a little adventurous, the dressing options are limitless! Drizzle on some hickory BBQ sauce for a smoky twist, or go creamy with a dollop of blue cheese dressing. BBQ ranch dressing is your go-to sauce if you’re looking for something that’s a little on the tangy and sweet side. The kidney beans can also be swapped out with black beans if you’re going for that mild, earthy taste. Toss in some bacon bits and you’ve got yourself a winner.

The best part? This copycat Hug-Hes chicken pasta salad is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and get-togethers. The rich taste profile makes it a standout choice for dinner entrees or as part of your weekly meal plan. What’s more, it’s best served cold. I couldn’t think of a more fitting summer dish for those hot summer days.

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1. Kathleen Durrant says:

   This makes SOOOOO much dressing. Are the portions correct?? Also unclear- is the amount of pasta before being cooked or already cooked?? My salad is SWIMMING in dressing. Wondering if this is correct?

2. Elaine says:

   A cup of sugar sounds like an awful lot...and 1 1/2 cups oil, is that correct??

3. Kathleen Durrant says:

   Update- the salad does absorb all the dressing. And is delicious. I just had to be patient.

4. Aubrey says:

   Can i make this the day before and keep in the fridge or will it get soggy?

5. Cyd says:

   We didn't eat it all on the first day and saved the leftovers for the next day and it was great. Be sure to cover it well and refrigerate.

6. Pearl says:

   I’m sorry but this was awful. The salad was too sweet and oily. I followed to a T and let set for 4 hours. Nobody could eat it. Went down the drain along with money it took to buy ingredients.

7. Susan Gill says:

   I made this salad and it was good but it was way to much dressig.

8. Les says:

   I usually like the six sisters stuff but this was not very good, I’m sorry. The olive oil was too strong, the sauce was too much.

9. Jessica says:

   This salad is to die for at the restaurant and it’s the norm to drown the salad in dressing! If you’re not from Northern Utah and haven’t been eating this salad your whole life, it may not be your thing. I have eaten this for 25 years or more and the more dressing the better! Love a good copy cat recipe since I no longer live near a Hug Hes Cafe 😭

10. Esta Pierson says:

    I was concerned about the amount of salt and pepper. Is 1 Tbs the correct amount. We order this for family gatherings.

11. Momma Cyd says:

    You can always just add 1/2 and see if that's enough.

12. Dana says:

    I was quite disappointed in this recipe, especially the dressing. I was in the kitchen cooking for 1 1/2 hours (way too long for pasta salad) and after tasting the dressing, I decided to save the pasta for the next night's dinner and pick up the dressing from hug hes. The dressing was bitter and way too oily. Wasted a lot of expensive ingredients and a lot of time. Won't be making this again.

    

13. Kamille Llewelyn says:

    Hughes pasta salad has always been a special favorite of our family. We don’t live close by so this is amazing to have a copy cat!! I keep mine in the fridge for days and when it gets a little dry I drizzle homemade ranch dressing over it!! A summer staple! Thanks for another amazing recipe!

    

14. Momma Cyd says:

    You are so welcome. So glad you like our copycat Pasta Salad!