Club Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta salad because it’s packed with flavors I already love in a chicken club sandwich, but in a lighter, fresher form. The crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch, the rotisserie chicken brings in so much flavor, and the creamy avocado ties everything together. The combination of Italian dressing and mayonnaise gives it a great balance of tang and creaminess. It’s super quick to prepare, making it an ideal dish for a picnic, potluck, or just a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces corkscrew-shaped pasta

• ¾ cup Italian-style salad dressing (or to taste)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 cups chopped, cooked rotisserie chicken

• 12 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

• 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cubed Muenster cheese

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite (about 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian-style dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.

3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cubed Muenster cheese, chopped celery, green bell pepper, and avocado to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Serve: Once everything is mixed together, you can serve the pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate it for an hour for the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and another 15 minutes to cook the pasta, so you’ll have this tasty salad ready in just 30 minutes!

Variations

• Add more veggies: You can add other veggies like cucumbers, red onions, or even corn to make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

• Swap the cheese: If you don’t have Muenster cheese, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor.

• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing if you want a little heat in your salad.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, and it will only get more flavorful as it sits in the fridge. There’s no need to reheat it—just serve chilled!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making this pasta salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even better. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While corkscrew-shaped pasta is fun, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.

Can I use a different kind of dressing?

If you prefer a different dressing, feel free to substitute the Italian dressing with ranch, Caesar, or even a lemon vinaigrette, depending on your taste.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and you can substitute with chickpeas, tofu, or more vegetables for a filling vegetarian version.

How long will this pasta salad last?

This pasta salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the vegetables and avocado might start to soften, so it’s best enjoyed within the first few days.

Conclusion

I absolutely love this Club Chicken Pasta Salad for its delicious combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables make this salad a real crowd-pleaser, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s easy to make and perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to summer picnics or potlucks. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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