Combine all the classic flavors of a chicken club sandwich with the fun and versatility of a pasta salad, and you have this delightful Chicken Club Pasta Salad. Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or as a hearty meal at home, this salad is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Let’s get started on making this delicious and easy pasta salad!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces corkscrew-shaped pasta
- 3/4 cup Italian-style salad dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups chopped, cooked rotisserie chicken
- 12 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed Muenster cheese
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Heat a large pot of water, adding salt, until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Add the corkscrew-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- After cooking, strain the pasta and run it under cold water to halt further cooking.
- Set the pasta aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian-style salad dressing and mayonnaise until smooth. This will create a creamy and tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed Muenster cheese, chopped celery, and chopped green bell pepper. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Make sure everything is well mixed and the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the Avocado:
- Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped avocado. This will keep the avocado fresh and prevent it from browning.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Club Pasta Salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad brings together the best of both worlds—a hearty, protein-packed pasta salad with all the flavors of a classic chicken club sandwich. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for any gathering or a satisfying family meal, this pasta salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish any time of the year!