Description
This Savory Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish combining tender corkscrew pasta, rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Italian-mayo dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes with a quick preparation and chill time.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz corkscrew-shaped pasta
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (low-fat or Greek yogurt as a lighter option)
Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (or grilled chicken/turkey)
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon (turkey bacon or omitted if preferred)
- 1 cup cubed Muenster cheese (cheddar or mozzarella can be used)
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 cup chopped celery (bell peppers can be substituted)
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (mix colors or omit if desired)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (grape or diced tomatoes as alternatives)
- 1 avocado, cubed (add just before serving to maintain freshness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew-shaped pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian-style salad dressing and mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful base for the salad.
- Combine ingredients: Gently fold the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon pieces, cubed cheese, chopped celery, chopped bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado into the dressing. Mix carefully to coat all the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Chill and meld flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Notes
- Substitute pasta shapes according to preference or availability.
- For a lighter salad, swap mayonnaise with low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Use grilled chicken or turkey as alternatives to rotisserie chicken.
- Turkey bacon or omitting bacon are good options for dietary restrictions.
- Mix bell pepper colors or omit for variety or preference.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 2 days for best quality.
