There's something utterly delightful about the crunch of crispy bacon mingling with tender rotisserie chicken in a bowl of vibrant flavors. While browsing for a fresh take on my go-to summer salads, I stumbled upon this incredible Chicken Club Pasta Salad, and it felt like a light bulb moment in my kitchen.
Imagine enjoying a picnic on a sunny afternoon, or serving up a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering; this pasta salad covers all the bases. With just a handful of simple ingredients—from corkscrew pasta to creamy Muenster cheese—this dish makes the perfect companion for both casual meals and special occasions.
So ease your weeknight cooking burden and embrace a deliciously versatile dish that promises to be a hit with both family and friends. Trust me, once you try this creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying Chicken Club Pasta Salad, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Club Pasta Salad
- This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 15 minutes of prep time.
- The combination of flavors from the crispy bacon, juicy rotisserie chicken, and creamy dressing creates a taste sensation that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Not only is it versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side, but it shines at picnics, potlucks, and gatherings of all kinds.
- Plus, the vibrant colors from the fresh ingredients make for an eye-catching presentation that elevates any dining experience.
Chicken Club Pasta Salad Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Corkscrew pasta – perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and flavors in this Chicken Club Pasta Salad.
For the Protein
• Chopped rotisserie chicken – saves you time in the kitchen while adding savory moisture to the dish.
• Crispy bacon – adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that compliments the salad beautifully.
For the Veggies
• Diced celery – brings a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
• Halved cherry tomatoes – bursts of sweetness add vibrant color and juiciness.
For the Cheese
• Cubed Muenster cheese – melts in your mouth and provides a creamy texture that blends wonderfully with other ingredients.
For the Dressing
• Italian-style salad dressing – gives a zesty flair while enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Mayonnaise – contributes to the creaminess and richness that makes this dish so satisfying.
For the Topping
• Diced avocado – adds creaminess and a touch of elegance just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the corkscrew pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
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Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Italian-style salad dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base that brings all the flavors together in your Chicken Club Pasta Salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, cubed Muenster cheese, diced celery, and halved cherry tomatoes. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor that will come together beautifully.
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Fold Together: Gently fold the ingredients together with your creamy dressing, ensuring all the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
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Add Avocado: Just before serving, carefully fold in the diced avocado to maintain its creamy texture. This final touch will elevate your salad with a burst of richness.
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Chill Time: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Allowing the flavors to meld makes this Chicken Club Pasta Salad even more delicious!
Optional: Serve with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Club Pasta Salad make-ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the pasta and chop the vegetables up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The creamy dressing can also be whisked together and refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. To maintain the creamy texture of the avocado, add it fresh just before serving. When you're ready to impress family or friends, combine all the components with the dressing, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Chicken Club Pasta Salad?
Imagine a table filled with delightful dishes that elevate your Chicken Club Pasta Salad to a full meal experience.
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Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery crunch of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick, enhancing the dish's overall richness.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast, balancing the creamy pasta wonderfully.
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Lemonade Iced Tea: This refreshing drink offers a gentle sweetness and tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Juicy, sweet corn brings a touch of summer vibes and complements savory ingredients with its natural sweetness.
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Chilled Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the salad, perfect for cleansing the palate.
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Pesto Bruschetta: Crunchy bread topped with herbaceous pesto adds a burst of flavor that enhances the Chicken Club Pasta Salad's creaminess.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Sweet, warm cookies are the ultimate dessert to finish off your meal, contrasting beautifully with the savory salad.
Chicken Club Pasta Salad Variations
Embark on a flavorful journey by personalizing this delightful Chicken Club Pasta Salad with your favorite ingredients!
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Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute corkscrew pasta with whole wheat for a heartier, fiber-rich option that’s just as satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to bring a spicy dimension that ignites the taste buds.
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Cheddar Cheese: Swap Muenster for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor that adds an extra layer of richness you’ll adore.
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Greek Yogurt Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist that still delivers on creaminess.
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Fresh Herbs: Enhance freshness by folding in chopped basil or parsley, giving your salad a garden-fresh zing that brightens every bite.
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Grilled Chicken: Use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for a smoky flavor and a lovely grilled aesthetic that’s sure to impress.
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Chickpeas: Boost protein by adding canned chickpeas, creating a heartier salad that’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor that complements the creamy dressing beautifully. This addition adds a sweet-tart contrast everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Fridge: Store any leftovers of your Chicken Club Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the salad without the avocado in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The avocado should be added just before serving.
Thawing: To thaw, simply transfer the frozen Chicken Club Pasta Salad to the fridge overnight before serving. This will ensure it stays creamy and delicious.
Reheating: If desired, gently reheat in the microwave for a minute or so, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can affect the texture of the dressing and ingredients.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook your corkscrew pasta until al dente to ensure it holds its shape and texture in the Chicken Club Pasta Salad.
- When making the dressing, whisk the Italian-style salad dressing and mayonnaise together until fully combined for the best flavor integration.
- Be careful not to overmix when folding the ingredients, as this helps keep the avocado intact and adds richness.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pasta for this Chicken Club Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! Corkscrew pasta, also known as fusilli, is ideal for this recipe as its shape holds onto the creamy dressing beautifully. Look for pasta that is firm and has no dark spots or cracks. If corkscrew isn't available, you can substitute with rotini or even penne for a similar texture.
How long can I store Chicken Club Pasta Salad in the fridge?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it tasting fresh, try to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients well before refrigerating.
Can I freeze Chicken Club Pasta Salad?
Yes, but with a little caution! It’s best to freeze the salad without the avocado. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then add the avocado just before serving for a creamy touch.
What should I do if my pasta is too soggy?
Ah, the dreaded soggy pasta! If you find your pasta has overcooked, it's best to avoid mixing it too vigorously with the other ingredients. Instead, serve it right away to minimize the mushiness. If it's already in the salad, try adding more fresh ingredients like celery and tomatoes to balance it out.
Is this Chicken Club Pasta Salad suitable for those with dairy allergies?
If you’re concerned about dairy, you can easily customize this recipe! Substitute the Muenster cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and choose a vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture. Just be sure to check the dressing for dairy as well; a vinaigrette can work perfectly as a base!
Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the corkscrew pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Italian-style salad dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, cubed Muenster cheese, diced celery, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the ingredients together with your creamy dressing, ensuring all the pasta and veggies are evenly coated.
- Add Avocado: Just before serving, carefully fold in the diced avocado to maintain its creamy texture.
- Chill Time: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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