Description
This Savory Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish combining tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing mixed with corkscrew pasta. It offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal meal for warm days or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Components
- 8 oz corkscrew-shaped pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (grilled chicken or turkey can be substituted)
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon (or turkey bacon, or omit)
- 1 cup cubed Muenster cheese (or cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup chopped celery (or bell peppers as a swap)
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (mix colors or leave out if preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or grape or diced regular tomatoes)
- 1 avocado, diced (add just before serving to keep fresh)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing (homemade preferred)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil corkscrew-shaped pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to cool rapidly and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian salad dressing and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the base for the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon pieces, cubed Muenster cheese, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado into the dressing. Mix until everything is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely and the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- To maintain the avocado’s freshness and avoid browning, add it just before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use low-fat mayonnaise.
- Feel free to use different pasta shapes to your preference.
- Omit bacon or replace with turkey bacon for a leaner option or dietary needs.
- Homemade Italian dressing can enhance flavor compared to store-bought versions.
