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Chicken Club Pasta Salad
(A creamy, crunchy, protein-packed twist on the classic club sandwich!)
This crowd-pleasing pasta salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing for the ultimate potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta, cooked al dente & cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy & crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced (toss in lime juice to prevent browning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook & cool pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
- Mix dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine salad – In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with chicken, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheese, and parsley.
- Add dressing – Pour dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Chill & serve – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (best if chilled 2+ hours) before serving.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
✔ Don’t overcook pasta – Slightly firm pasta holds up better.
✔ Add avocado last – If prepping ahead, stir in avocado just before serving.
✔ Make it ahead – Flavors meld beautifully overnight!
✔ Add-ins – Try diced cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, or ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep! Enjoy this hearty, creamy, and satisfying pasta salad. 🍗🥓🍝
Would you like a lighter version with a yogurt-based dressing? Let me know! 😊
