Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to liven up your meal routine, look no further than this Chicken Club Pasta Salad. It’s a festive, satisfying twist on the classic club sandwich, overflowing with tender chunks of chicken, crisp bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and a creamy yet vibrant dressing. Each forkful offers an irresistible balance of fresh, smoky, and savory flavors that make this salad more than just a side dish—it’s a crave-worthy main that’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Club Pasta Salad couldn’t be simpler, thanks to a handful of accessible ingredients that each play an important role. From crunchy veggies to creamy dressing, every component brings just the right color, flavor, or texture—so don’t skip a thing!

• Pasta: Use 8 ounces of rotini or penne for those classic swirls or tubes that hold dressing perfectly; cook and cool before mixing.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: Dice up 2 cups of cooked chicken for hearty bites—leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works wonders.
• Bacon: Fry 6 slices until crispy, then crumble; bacon brings smoky punch to every bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve 1 cup for a pop of sweetness and color that brightens up the salad.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A full cup delivers sharpness and richness that ties everything together.
• Red Onion: Just 1/2 cup, finely diced, adds a subtle bite and vibrant color contrast.
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup brings creamy body to the homemade dressing.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup lends tang and extra silkiness to the mix.
• Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon wakes up the whole salad with a gentle zing.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon keeps things bright, balancing out the richness.
• Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon to infuse savory depth.
• Salt: A 1/2 teaspoon is enough to round out all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for a mild kick that doesn’t overwhelm.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): 2 tablespoons make a beautiful garnish and a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool Your Pasta

Begin with perfectly cooked rotini or penne. Boil according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and keep the pasta springy. Cool completely—this ensures your Chicken Club Pasta Salad won’t end up mushy and will absorb just enough dressing.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken and Bacon

Dice up your cooked chicken breast into generous, bite-sized pieces. If you want a flavor boost, try grilled or rotisserie chicken! Next, cook your bacon until irresistibly crisp and crumble it into little bites—don’t skip this, as it brings those signature club sandwich vibes.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Veggies

Slice your cherry tomatoes in half and finely dice the red onion. These veggies not only deliver fantastic crunch and color, but their juicy sweetness and zingy bite balance out the richness of the cheese and dressing.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is silky, tangy, and just garlicky enough—bringing the whole Chicken Club Pasta Salad together with a luscious finish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

To a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until every piece is beautifully coated—don’t rush this part, since mixing thoroughly means every forkful is full of flavor.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover and refrigerate your Chicken Club Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this gives time for all the flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley to brighten the whole dish and add a fresh, herby kick.

How to Serve Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped parsley is my favorite finishing touch, adding freshness and a pop of color to the Chicken Club Pasta Salad. If you want to level things up, add a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or even a few slices of ripe avocado right before serving for extra richness and flair.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chicken Club Pasta Salad as a hearty main with a side of crusty bread, crunchy dill pickles, or a green garden salad for balance. For picnics, it’s perfect alongside fresh fruit or kettle-cooked chips. It’s satisfyingly complete on its own, but loves a crisp, cool drink beside it!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, give this salad extra personality by spooning it into lettuce cups for handheld bites, layering it in mason jars for lunch on the go, or scooping onto a platter lined with leafy greens. A big serving bowl with extra bacon and herbs scattered over top makes for easy family-style sharing that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chicken Club Pasta Salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a truly wonderful next-day lunch or snack!

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies don’t fare well in the freezer. The textures change and lose their appeal once thawed, so enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s just out of the fridge, give it a gentle toss and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to take off the chill—there’s no need to heat it up!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini and penne work best for snagging the dressing and fillings, but bow ties, shells, or even gluten-free pasta can all be swapped in without a hitch.

How can I make this salad healthier?

For a lighter Chicken Club Pasta Salad, use light mayo and reduced-fat cheese, and consider adding more fresh veggies like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or spinach for extra nutrition and crunch.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes—grilled turkey, leftover ham, or even roasted tofu can substitute seamlessly if you’d like to mix things up or keep the salad vegetarian.

What’s the best way to brighten up leftovers?

A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash more of mustard can perk up leftovers, or toss in a handful of fresh herbs or chopped veggies right before serving.

Can I prep this ahead for parties or picnics?

Definitely! Chicken Club Pasta Salad can be made a day in advance, just wait to add delicate toppings like avocado or extra bacon until right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together everything you love about a classic club sandwich in a truly vibrant, shareable bowl, Chicken Club Pasta Salad is destined to become a favorite at your table. Whether you’re making it for an easy weeknight meal, a backyard gathering, or simply to shake up lunchtime, give this cheerful salad a try—you’ll find yourself coming back again and again!

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