Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in one bowl, the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender pasta mingling with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory cheddar, all tossed in creamy Ranch dressing—it’s like a classic chicken club sandwich transformed into a fresh, satisfying pasta salad. This recipe not only bursts with vibrant tastes and textures, but it’s also easy enough to whip up any day of the week. You’ll be excited to share this crowd-pleaser at gatherings or enjoy it as a delightful lunch that never gets boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet play essential roles in creating the rich, layered flavor and appealing texture of this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe. Each item adds something unique, from the crispness of celery to the smoky goodness of bacon.
- 8 ounces pasta: Choose rigatoni, shells, rotini, or penne for perfect bite-sized shapes that hold dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky depth of flavor.
- 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken: The protein powerhouse that keeps the salad hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes: Provides creamy, sharp bursts that complement the savory ingredients.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings freshness, juiciness, and bright color contrast.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Offers crisp texture and a subtle earthy note.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped: Adds slight sweetness and a vibrant crunch.
- 1 cup Ranch dressing: The creamy, tangy binder that brings all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente—tender yet still slightly firm. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from turning mushy. This step is key to maintaining perfect pasta texture in your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, focus on prepping your other ingredients. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Transfer it to paper towels to drain, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, chop the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, celery, and green bell pepper into manageable chunks. Having all the ingredients ready makes combining everything a breeze.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta first. Layer in the crumbled bacon, chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cubes of cheddar cheese, celery, and green bell pepper. Pour the creamy Ranch dressing right on top—all these colorful pieces come together beautifully with that iconic dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the mixture until every bite is coated evenly with the dressing. This ensures a balance of creaminess, crunch, and savory notes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For the best experience, chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to marry and develop fully. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a bright pop of color and an herbal note that elevates the dish. A few extra crumbles of bacon or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper add visual appeal and extra flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables to keep the meal balanced. It’s also delicious alongside warm garlic bread or a fresh fruit platter to add a sweet contrast to the savory, creamy salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with ingredients for a pretty display at picnics or potlucks. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for a fresh, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because this recipe contains fresh vegetables and dairy-based dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the salad and dressing may change upon thawing, resulting in a less satisfying experience.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warmer version, simply remove the salad from the fridge early and let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to soften the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Absolutely! While Ranch dressing is classic for this Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe, you can swap it out for Caesar, blue cheese, or even a vinaigrette for a lighter twist. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift accordingly.
What kind of pasta works best?
Pasta shapes like rigatoni, shells, rotini, or penne are ideal since their nooks and grooves trap the dressing and ingredients beautifully. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair that won’t hold up well in the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad stores well in the fridge for a few days and makes an excellent grab-and-go meal. To keep things fresh, you might want to add the dressing right before eating if you plan ahead.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and chicken. You can boost protein by adding chickpeas or your favorite meat-free substitute, and keep all the other delicious ingredients intact.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking is crucial to stop the cooking process, which prevents mushiness. Also, chilling the salad before serving helps flavors set without sogginess. Lastly, avoid adding too much dressing all at once—start with less and add more if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe quickly becomes a staple the moment you try it—its perfect blend of smoky, creamy, fresh, and crunchy bites is impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, packing a picnic, or bringing a dish to a party, this recipe is sure to earn rave reviews and plenty of requests for seconds. Go ahead, give it a whirl and discover one of your new favorite pasta salads!
Print
Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious meal, blending tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and cheddar cheese with pasta all tossed in creamy Ranch dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, this salad offers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni, shells, rotini, or penne)
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Chop the cooked chicken, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the celery and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta followed by the crumbled bacon, chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese cubes, celery, and green bell pepper. Pour the cup of Ranch dressing over these ingredients.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the Ranch dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For optimal flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, shells, or penne for varied texture.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute Ranch dressing with a yogurt-based dressing.
- Cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to prevent sogginess.
- This salad tastes even better after resting, so preparing it a few hours in advance is ideal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
