If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as perfect for a backyard BBQ as it is for a weekday lunch, look no further than the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe. This vibrant, flavor-packed salad combines the best elements of a classic club sandwich—juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, and a dreamy ranch dressing—tossed with tender pasta and fresh veggies. Every forkful is a celebration of texture and taste, making this dish a must-have for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing its own vibrant color, satisfying crunch, or luscious creaminess. With just a handful of essentials, you’ll create a salad that’s layered with flavor and downright irresistible.
- Pasta (12 ounces rotini or bowtie): These shapes hold the creamy dressing and all those tasty bits perfectly in every bite.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, chopped): Use rotisserie for convenience or cook your own for extra freshness and flavor.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible crunch and smoky, savory depth.
- Grape tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of juicy sweetness that balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, creamy tang that ties everything together.
- Avocado (1, diced): Adds luxurious creaminess—don’t forget a splash of lemon juice to keep it fresh!
- Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild bite and gorgeous color.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens up the dish with freshness and a hint of herbal flavor.
- Ranch dressing (3/4 cup): The classic creamy base that brings all the club sandwich flavors to life.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the dressing and make it extra luscious.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Lemon juice (for avocado): Keeps your avocado bright and prevents browning.
How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini or bowtie pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once it’s done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water—this stops the cooking and cools things down so your salad is refreshingly crisp instead of warm and mushy.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta, chopped cooked chicken, crispy bacon, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. This is where all the magic starts to come together—the colors alone will tempt you to sneak a bite!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This duo is what gives the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe its signature tangy, luscious coating that clings to every morsel.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the creamy dressing over your salad and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Then, delicately fold in the diced avocado and drizzle with a little lemon juice to keep it bright and beautiful. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short chill time lets all those bold flavors mingle, ensuring each bite is even more delicious. Give it a quick toss right before serving, and you’re ready to impress!
How to Serve Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a polished finish, sprinkle extra chopped parsley, a few more crumbles of bacon, or even a handful of shredded cheddar on top. Slices of fresh avocado or a scatter of halved grape tomatoes add a burst of color and freshness that makes the dish pop on the table.
Side Dishes
While the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe is hearty enough to shine on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, a basket of warm dinner rolls, or a bowl of fresh fruit will round out the meal beautifully. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled corn or classic potato chips for that true picnic vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a fun, portable picnic option, or pile it high on a bed of crunchy romaine lettuce for extra freshness. For a party platter, scoop it into lettuce cups or mini bell pepper boats for a bite-sized, colorful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but to keep the avocado looking its best, you might want to add a fresh dice just before serving.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad (avocado and dairy-based dressings don’t thaw well), you can prep most of the ingredients ahead and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If you want a warm twist, try adding freshly cooked (and still warm) chicken or bacon to the chilled salad for a cozy contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Salad
Absolutely! While rotini and bowtie are ideal for catching all that creamy dressing, penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work just as well in the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
You can grill, bake, or poach chicken breasts for this salad—whatever is easiest for you. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free cheddar and ranch dressing alternatives. The result will still be creamy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the diced avocado with a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad, and add it just before serving if you’re making the salad ahead. This trick helps keep the avocado looking fresh and appetizing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a simple swap for gluten-free pasta, the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe becomes a fantastic gluten-free option for any gathering or meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a big bowl of Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe with friends and family. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd at a picnic or just craving a satisfying lunch, this salad brings together all the flavors you love in a club sandwich—plus the fun of pasta! Give it a try and make it your new go-to favorite for every occasion.
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Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Chicken Club Pasta Salad featuring tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch-mayo dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal, this salad balances textures and flavors with wholesome ingredients and a hint of lemon to keep the avocado fresh.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice (to keep avocado fresh)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool thoroughly and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine evenly.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy for a rich, flavorful dressing.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the ranch-mayo dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add avocado and lemon juice: Gently fold in the diced avocado, then drizzle a little lemon juice over it to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Season and chill: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For added crunch and freshness, mix in chopped romaine lettuce or shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Using rotisserie chicken significantly reduces preparation time and adds convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: No-Cook (with pre-cooked ingredients)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
