This Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad mixes tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and pasta for a tasty meal. It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying!
You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for lunch or a picnic. I love adding extra cheese on top because, let’s face it, cheese makes everything better! 🧀
This salad is super easy to make ahead. Just toss it all together, chill it in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend elbow macaroni or cavatappi for a fun shape. You could swap these for penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Whole wheat pasta adds a bit more fiber!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! If you don’t have chicken, cooked turkey or even chickpeas make tasty alternatives.
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives this salad a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too, or you could leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds great flavor. If you’re not a fan, mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can be fun twists.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
To keep your pasta salad from becoming soggy, here’s what to do:
- Cook pasta until it’s al dente; it shouldn’t be too soft.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water right after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps it stay firm.
- Once mixed with dressing, store it in the fridge. Let it chill for an hour, but don’t leave it for days.
These steps help the pasta maintain its texture and keep your salad fresh and enjoyable!
Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- Bacon: 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- Cheese: 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Total Time Needed
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced celery, diced green bell pepper, and cubed cheddar cheese. Give it a good toss to mix everything evenly.
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Adjust Seasoning
Give the salad a taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired, making sure it’s just the way you like it!
6. Chill
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes it even tastier.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge chilled, or let it come closer to room temperature. Either way, dig in and savor your easy and delicious Chicken Club Pasta Salad!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni or cavatappi are great choices, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even bowties. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Chicken Club Pasta Salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any dressing that may have separated.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter version or have a mayo allergy, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado! Both will add creaminess and a delicious flavor.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even spinach can add extra crunch and flavor to your pasta salad!
