Chicken Club Pasta Salad

I was in the mood for something light and healthy, so I decided to make chicken club pasta salad.

The salad was a big hit with my family – they all loved the combination of flavors and textures.

Sick of the same-old, same-old for your potluck contributions? This chicken club pasta salad is a fun and tasty change of pace, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!

This dish combines the best of both worlds – pasta and chicken – for a flavor-packed meal that will satisfy.

Well, there you have it – our delicious and nutritious chicken club pasta salad recipe. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! It’s perfect for summer picnics or BBQs!

Scroll to Bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love this Chicken Club Pasta Salad recipe

The term “club” in the name refers to the classic sandwich filling that this salad is based on, which includes chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

Why do we call it a club salad?

The salad is made with cooked pasta, Italian-style salad dressing, mayonnaise, chopped cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cubed Muenster cheese, chopped celery, chopped green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and chopped avocado.

What is the chicken club pasta salad made with?

Yes, you can add any fresh vegetables of your choice, such as cucumber, red onion, carrots, or roasted red peppers.

Can I add more fresh vegetables to it?

Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta, which prevents it from becoming mushy and sticking together.

Why do you rinse pasta for a cold pasta salad?

Some tips for making the best version of this salad include:

• Cook the pasta al dente, so it retains its shape and texture in the salad.
• Use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• Crisp up the bacon before adding it to the salad to give it a crunchy texture.
• Use a combination of mayonnaise and Italian-style dressing for a creamy and tangy dressing.
• Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from turning brown.

What are some tips & tricks for making the best version of chicken club pasta salad?

This salad is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with garlic bread, crusty bread, or crackers for added crunch.

Want another pasta salad? Here is a pasta pesto salad that is bursting with fresh flavors.

What to serve with chicken club pasta salad?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It will store about 3 days. Stir before you go to dish it up and serve your guests or family.

Ingredients:

• Corkscrew-shaped pasta
• Italian-style salad dressing
• Mayonnaise
• Rotisserie chicken
• Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• Cubed Muenster cheese
• Chopped celery
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Cherry tomatoes halved
• Avocado

How to make Chicken Club Pasta Salad:

Step 1. Cook pasta in boiling lightly salted water (boiled) stirring occasionally until cooked.

Step 2. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 3. Whisk Italian-style dressing and mayonnaise together in a large bowl.

Step 4. Stir all ingredients into the dressing until evenly coated.

This will ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly, enjoy!

PIN FOR LATER 🙂

Can this salad be made ahead of time?

No, pasta salads do not freeze well as the pasta can become mushy and the vegetables can become soggy when thawed.

Can you freeze this pasta salad?

This pasta salad will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for pasta salad?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for pasta salad. There are many gluten-free pasta options available in the market such as brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, corn pasta, etc.

When using gluten-free pasta, it’s essential to follow the cooking instructions carefully, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster and can become mushy if overcooked.

Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Then proceed with the recipe as usual.

What vegetables can be used in pasta salad?

There are many vegetables that can be used in pasta salad, depending on your preference and availability. Some popular options include:

• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Carrots (shredded or diced)
• Zucchini or summer squash
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Roasted red peppers
• Artichoke hearts
• Olives (black or green)
• Peas
• Corn
• Spinach or arugula

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad – The BEST potato salad ever.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – If you are looking for an easy, delicious pasta recipe, this Bacon Ranch Pasta with Peas is so quick to make that you will be surprised!

Homemade Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – This crowd-pleasing summertime pasta salad is quick, easy, and an excellent salad choice.