Chicken Club Pasta Salad
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Looking for a pasta salad that stands out? This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and vibrant veggies, it’s a satisfying meal on its own or a great side dish for any occasion.
Pasta salads are a staple in my kitchen. They’re the perfect go-to for quick dinners, casual lunches, and even those impromptu gatherings where you need something delicious and easy to throw together.
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s loaded with hearty ingredients like tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a simple yet flavorful dressing. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can easily adapt it to include your favorite sandwich toppings or whatever you have on hand.
I love experimenting with pasta salad recipes. In the past, I’ve made two sandwich-inspired recipes including a BLT Macaroni Salad and (one of my current favorites) this Italian Sub Pasta Salad. These classic sandwiches are favorites for a reason so why not use them as inspiration for a pasta salad? That’s why I’m doing the same with this Chicken Club Pasta Salad. I know you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Whether planning a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a summer barbecue, or putting together snacks for game day, this Chicken Club Pasta Salad fits right in. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
- The combination of flavors here is truly a win. From the savory bacon and tender chicken to the creamy avocado and crisp vegetables, every bite offers something different and delightful. Plus, you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients to make it your own – think of it as a customizable sandwich, but in salad form.
- One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something that tastes amazing.
- Finally, this pasta salad is a dish everyone can love. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Looking for more pasta salad recipes? I can help with that! I created this amazing collection of some of my best-loved pasta salad recipes. You’ll have a new recipe to make for every unique occasion.
Ingredients
It’s time to gather all the goodies you’ll need to craft this fab pasta salad recipe. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pasta: The foundation of this salad, pasta provides a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the dressing and other ingredients. I like using cavatappi but any short pasta will work well.
- Italian Dressing: A zesty, tangy dressing that brings the salad together, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. It’s a simple yet effective choice for this recipe. Ken’s is my go-to for most store-bought dressing.
- Mayonnaise: This adds a creamy texture and richness to the dressing, balancing out the tanginess of the Italian dressing.
- Black Pepper: A touch of black pepper adds just the right amount of spice, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cooked Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken pieces are the star protein, making the salad satisfying and filling. I bake my chicken in the oven with a little olive oil and salt and pepper.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Crisp and savory, bacon adds a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. To take it to the next level try my favorite way to cook bacon. It adds a touch of sweetness that is heaven.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the chicken and bacon.
- Muenster Cheese: With its mild, creamy flavor, Muenster cheese brings a smooth, melty element to the salad that ties everything together. Muenster has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.
- Celery: Crisp and refreshing, celery adds a nice crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor that lightens up the salad.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a slight sweetness and a satisfying crunch, complementing the other vegetables in the salad.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a luscious texture and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
How To Make
Okay! Let’s make this Chicken Club Pasta Salad. Anyone can do this, but I’ll still walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by cooking the pasta in lightly salted water following the instructions on the package. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and black pepper.
- Add the pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, Muenster cheese, celery, green bell pepper, and avocado to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing mixture.
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- Garnish with additional black pepper, celery leaves, and avocado as desired.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to four hours before serving.
It’s that simple. Pasta salad for the win!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this Chicken Club Pasta Salad a try. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself coming back to, not only because it’s easy but because it’s truly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Simply prepare and mix all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate. If you’re adding avocado, I recommend waiting to add it just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little more dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving again to refresh the flavors.
What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
This recipe is very versatile so feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, olives, or even some roasted vegetables. The beauty of this salad is that you can customize it to suit your tastes and what you have on hand.
Can I make this salad lighter or healthier?
Certainly! If you want to lighten things up, use a light or reduced-fat mayonnaise and dressing. You can also increase the amount of fresh vegetables, such as adding extra tomatoes or bell peppers, to boost the nutritional value while keeping it delicious.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Southwest Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Pasta Salad
- Pasta Salad with Roasted Mushroom
- Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad
If you decide to make this Chicken Club Pasta Salad for your next gathering or as a weeknight dinner, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own—that’s what makes cooking fun! Remember, please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta I prefer cavatappi, but use what you like.
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp. black pepper plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 6 ounces cubed Muenster cheese
- 1 cup chopped celery plus leaves for garnish
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 avocado chopped (about ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta in lightly salted water following the instructions on the package. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and black pepper.
- Add the pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, Muenster cheese, celery, green bell pepper, and avocado to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing mixture.
- Garnish with additional black pepper, celery leaves, and avocado as desired.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to four hours before serving.