Description
Get ready to dive into a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish – the Chicken Club Pasta Salad! This colorful and creamy pasta salad combines all the classic elements of a chicken club sandwich, like tender chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy veggies, tossed with a zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces corkscrew pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese (or Monterey Jack as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Step 1: Cook Pasta
2. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
3.
4. Step 2: Mix Dressing
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
6.
7. Step 3: Combine Ingredients
8. Add the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, diced celery, and chopped green pepper to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
9.
10. Step 4: Add Avocado
11. Gently fold in the diced avocado, being careful not to break it up too much.
12.
13. Step 5: Season & Chill
14. Season the Chicken Club Pasta Salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the bacon and avocado offer heart-healthy fats. Feel free to make it ahead of time; it’s best to let the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 60