Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re after a dish that checks every delicious box, look no further than this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe. Imagine the beloved flavors of a classic chicken club sandwich tossed with tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce, all wrapped up in a tangy ranch-mayo dressing. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that disappears in a flash at gatherings, picnics, or weekday lunches. With a symphony of textures and pops of color, this salad turns simple ingredients into a bowlful of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe is that it brings together everyday ingredients in a way that feels anything but ordinary. Each addition plays a starring role, from the hearty chicken to the vibrant, fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for making every bite the best it can be.
- Rotini Pasta (3 cups, cooked): The twists of rotini are perfect for catching dressing and bits of bacon in every forkful.
- Chicken Breast (2 cups, cooked and diced): Keep it juicy by using freshly cooked chicken or tasty leftovers.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Cook until crisp for that classic club sandwich crunch.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These add juicy bursts of sweetness and fresh color.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor punch.
- Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce (1 cup, chopped): Adds essential crunch and brightens the dish.
- Avocado (1/2 cup, diced): Creaminess guaranteed; toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, chopped): A little goes a long way for zing and color.
- Ranch Dressing (1/2 cup): The backbone of the creamy, tangy dressing everyone loves.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the dressing—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Main Ingredients
Start by making sure all your components are cooked and ready—boil your rotini until al dente and drain well so your salad stays light and bouncy, not soggy. Simmer or roast a couple of chicken breasts and dice them into bite-sized chunks, and be sure to cook your bacon until it’s irresistibly crispy. Halve your cherry tomatoes, shred the cheddar, dice the avocado, chop the lettuce and red onion, then set everything aside. Getting these ingredients prepped and organized makes assembling your Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe fun and effortless.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, cheddar, lettuce, avocado, and red onion. Toss everything together just until it’s gently combined—this helps distribute all those amazing flavors and textures evenly. It’s okay if it looks a bit rustic; every bite will be a surprise of something tasty!
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together ranch dressing and mayonnaise until you have a smooth, luscious blend. This two-ingredient combo creates the irresistible flavor base that brings the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe to life. For a tangier note or lighter texture, feel free to sub half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing evenly over your pasta salad bowl. Using a broad spatula or salad servers, gently toss everything until every little pasta twist and morsel is coated in creamy goodness. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste—it’s the little touch that makes all the other flavors pop.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let your salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and meld with the other ingredients, making each bite more delicious. Serve your Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe cold for a refreshing bite, or bring it up to room temperature if you like a softer texture.
How to Serve Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top with extra crispy bacon bits, a little more shredded cheddar, or even fresh chopped chives right before serving. A sprinkle of black pepper or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice will make this salad even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe with a side of crusty bread, a fresh fruit salad, or a cup of cool gazpacho soup. It also shines next to grilled veggies or a tangy pickle spear for a real deli-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into individual mason jars for easy, portable lunches, or serve it in lettuce cups for a refreshing twist at your next party. You can even pile it high on top of greens for an impressive dinner salad that guests will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors continue to mingle, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, which can get watery after thawing. If you’d like to freeze portions, do so without the lettuce and avocado, then mix them in fresh after thawing for best results.
Reheating
This is truly a cold pasta salad meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you find the pasta a bit too firm after refrigerating, let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! Rotini works great, but small shells, farfalle, or penne will also catch the dressing and toppings perfectly in your Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use a light ranch dressing. You can also add more veggies and use turkey bacon for a nutritious twist.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the diced avocado with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before adding it to your Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe. The citrus helps slow oxidation and keeps it looking fresh.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Simply prepare all ingredients and keep the lettuce and avocado separate until just before serving. Add them in last for the freshest crunch and color.
Is this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe gluten-free?
While classic rotini contains wheat, you can use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish entirely gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
Give this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes your new go-to for any occasion! Every forkful delivers creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh elements—guaranteed to make it a hit around your table. Enjoy sharing this sensational salad with friends and family, and don’t be surprised when it’s requested again and again!
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Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables tossed with a tangy ranch dressing. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken breast
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, avocado, and red onion.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Toss Salad: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently to coat.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add lemon juice to avocado to prevent browning.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
