Can this pasta salad be made in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble this salad up to one day ahead. Prepare and toss everything together, then cover and refrigerate. If you’re using avocado, add it right before serving so it stays fresh and green.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta soaks up too much dressing, add a splash more dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to bring the flavors back to life.

What else can I add to this salad?

This recipe is very adaptable, so have fun with it! Hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, olives, or roasted vegetables are all great additions. The beauty is that you can customize it based on what you like and what you have available.

Can I make a lighter version of this salad?

Definitely. To make it lighter, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and dressing. You can also add extra fresh vegetables, like more tomatoes or bell peppers, to increase the nutrition without sacrificing taste.

The Ultimate Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (I prefer cavatappi, but use what you like.); 1 cup Italian dressing; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; ½ tsp. black pepper (plus extra for garnish); 2 cups chopped cooked chicken; 12 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked until crisp and crumbled); 1 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 6 ounces cubed Muenster cheese; 1 cup chopped celery (plus leaves for garnish); 1 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1 avocado (chopped (about ¾ cup))

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Looking for a pasta salad that stands out? This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and vibrant veggies, it’s a satisfying meal on its own or a great side dish for any occasion.

Author: Chef Emy
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 10 1x
Method: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces pasta (I prefer cavatappi, but use what you like.)
1 cup Italian dressing
1/3 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp. black pepper (plus extra for garnish)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
12 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
1 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
6 ounces cubed Muenster cheese
1 cup chopped celery (plus leaves for garnish)
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 avocado (chopped (about ¾ cup))

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta in lightly salted water following the instructions on the package. Rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and black pepper.
Add the pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, Muenster cheese, celery, green bell pepper, and avocado to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing mixture.
Garnish with additional black pepper, celery leaves, and avocado as desired.
Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to four hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 509 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Fat: 37 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 20 g

Find it online: https://recipenly.com/chicken-club-pasta-salad/