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
Scale
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
