This Chicken Club Pasta Salad combines the best of a classic club sandwich with the heartiness of a pasta dish. Creamy dressing, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh avocado create an irresistible balance of flavors, perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or a casual dinner at home, this pasta salad is versatile, satisfying, and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for meal prepping or bringing as a show-stopping side dish to any gathering. Enjoy a delightful combination of creamy textures and savory bites in every forkful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the large bowl and pour the dressing mixture over it.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Origin of Chicken Club Pasta Salad
The Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a modern twist on the classic club sandwich, which has been a beloved American staple since the early 1900s. The original club sandwich, stacked with layers of chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, became a favorite at country clubs and diners. Over time, inventive cooks started incorporating these familiar ingredients into pasta salads, combining the best of two beloved dishes into one. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of a classic sandwich into a new, versatile form that can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Chicken Club Pasta Salad apart from other pasta salads is its balance of flavors and textures. You have the savory crunch of crispy bacon, the creamy richness of avocado and ranch dressing, the tenderness of diced chicken, and the refreshing bite of cherry tomatoes and red onion. Every bite delivers a mix of creamy, tangy, and savory elements that feels comforting yet fresh.
This recipe also stands out for its versatility. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, and it’s perfect for meal prep, as the flavors actually improve after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or bacon, minimizing food waste while creating a delicious dish.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Club Pasta Salad turns out perfectly:
- Pasta Choice: Rotini is ideal for this recipe because its corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, you can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like bowtie (farfalle) or penne if that’s what you have on hand.
- Chill Before Serving: After assembling the salad, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together. This makes a huge difference, so try not to skip this step.
- Avocado Freshness: To keep the avocado from browning, toss the diced avocado in lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This will also enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to personalize this salad by adding extras like hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, or shredded lettuce for even more texture. You can also lighten up the dressing by using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo.
- Bacon Crispness: For extra crunch, fry the bacon until it’s very crispy, then blot it with a paper towel to remove excess grease before crumbling it into the salad.
- Meal Prep Tip: If you’re making this ahead for meal prep, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and green.
Nutritional Benefits
The Chicken Club Pasta Salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch. Here are some of the health benefits associated with its key ingredients:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken breast supports muscle growth and repair while being low in fat. It also contains essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium, which are important for energy metabolism and immune function.
- Bacon: While it adds flavor and richness, bacon can be enjoyed in moderation. Using turkey bacon or opting for less fatty cuts can provide a leaner alternative without sacrificing the savory taste that bacon lovers adore.
- Avocado: This creamy fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and K. Avocado contributes to heart health and helps in nutrient absorption.
- Vegetables: Ingredients like cherry tomatoes and red onion not only add freshness and color but also provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and high in water content, making them great for hydration.
- Pasta: Using whole-grain or legume-based pasta can increase fiber and protein content, making this dish even more filling and beneficial for digestive health.
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your Chicken Club Pasta Salad, consider these serving ideas:
- As a Main Dish: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for an added crunch and boost of nutrients. This creates a lovely presentation and enhances the meal’s overall healthiness.
- At Parties and Gatherings: This pasta salad is an excellent choice for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings. You can serve it in a large bowl, allowing guests to help themselves, or portion it into individual cups for easy serving.
- Lunch Box Friendly: Pack it in mason jars for an easy, grab-and-go lunch option. Layer the ingredients to keep them fresh—start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the pasta, vegetables, and protein on top.
- Accompaniment to Other Dishes: Pair it with grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a light soup for a more extensive meal.
Ideal Pairings
Complement the Chicken Club Pasta Salad with these sides and beverages for a well-rounded meal:
- Sides: Consider pairing it with roasted asparagus, sweet potato fries, or a light Greek salad for an additional dose of vegetables.
- Beverages: A refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine can enhance the meal experience. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or cucumber is a great palate cleanser.
Additional Variations
To keep your Chicken Club Pasta Salad interesting, try these variations:
- Mediterranean Twist: Substitute the ranch dressing with a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette and add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. This will give it a fresh Mediterranean flair.
- Mexican Style: Incorporate black beans, corn, diced red bell peppers, and cilantro, and dress with a lime-cilantro dressing for a zesty twist.
- Pasta Salad Bar: Make a buffet-style meal by offering various add-ins like grilled vegetables, different types of cheese, assorted dressings, and toppings. Guests can create their own customized pasta salads.
- Vegan Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils for protein, use vegan bacon alternatives, and swap out dairy ingredients with plant-based versions like vegan mayonnaise or cashew cream.
Conclusion
The Chicken Club Pasta Salad is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a celebration of the flavors we love in a club sandwich, brought together in a satisfying, creamy pasta form. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal, something easy to pack for lunch, or a dish that will wow at your next family gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its combination of creamy dressing, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables makes it not only delicious but also refreshing, with a depth of flavor that everyone will love.
Best of all, this salad is endlessly customizable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. With just a few tweaks, you can adapt this dish to suit your dietary preferences or simply switch things up for fun. Serve it chilled on a hot day, and watch it disappear from the table—it’s that good!