Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight. You’ve got a hungry crew clamoring for dinner. You need something that feels special but comes together in a snap. Enter Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad. I first threw this together on a whim. Maybe I had a few too many cooked chicken breasts in the fridge—or maybe I was just craving bacon. Either way, that first bite made me pause. And then reach for seconds. And maybe—just maybe—a little more bacon.
That’s my kind of recipe. It’s reliable. It’s flexible. It’s downright addictive. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, so you don’t feel guilty loading up your bowl. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
I think you’ll notice right away:
- You can swap rotini for bowtie or penne without missing a beat.
- Leftover chicken finds a happy home here.
- Bacon brings a smoky crunch that never disappoints.
- The creamy Dijon dressing ties it all together.
And best of all, you can make it ahead. Chill it for 30 minutes—or eat it straightaway if patience isn’t your strong suit.
Recipe At A Glance
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 10 minutes (for pasta + bacon)
- Total Time 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Servings 6–8
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente—about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry or let sit in the colander while you prep the rest.
- Crisp the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble. I often sneak a piece… because, well, bacon.
- Whisk the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, Dijon, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste. Adjust salt or a splash more vinegar if it feels flat.
- Build the salad. In your largest bowl, toss together pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and onion. Pour dressing over top. Give it a gentle toss. You want every piece lightly coated.
- Chill and serve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. That pause? It lets flavors meld. But if you’re hungry now (no judgment), dig in immediately.
Tips and Variations
Herb lift. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring brightness.
Pasta shape matters. Rotini holds dressing in all those little grooves. But penne works, too—and bowtie feels a bit fancier.
Chicken shortcut. Rotisserie chicken speeds this up. Or shred poached breasts if you like.
Veggie boost. Throw in peas, diced bell pepper, or cucumber for extra crunch.
Make it light. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt. You’ll lose some richness but gain tangy protein.
Spice it up. Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of Sriracha to wake things up.
Storage and Make-Ahead
This salad holds up well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The lettuce softens a bit, but hey—sometimes that’s okay. If you plan ahead, keep lettuce and dressing separate, then toss right before serving.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Many brands mimic texture so well these days. Cook according to package directions.
Will it freeze?
Not really. Mayo-based salads get watery when frozen. Best to enjoy fresh.
What if I don’t like red onion?
Swap for green onion or skip entirely. A few capers add a briny punch instead.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double everything except seasonings—you might need slightly less salt since bacon and cheese bring their own.
Nutrition Information:
This information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
We hope you enjoy this Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!
Pin It for Later:
I’ll confess—I almost always make extra bacon. Because life’s too short for pale salads. And sometimes I stir in a handful of crushed crackers or croutons for texture. You don’t have to follow my lead, but you might want to try it once.
So give this Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad a whirl. You’ll end up with a bowl that’s colorful, hearty, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just Tuesday dinner. Let me know how it goes. And if you add your own twist, drop a note in the comments—because I love seeing creative spins.
Enjoy.
Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
A delicious and easy chicken club pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this salad is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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8 ounces rotini pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons ranch dressing
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
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Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve the Chicken Club Pasta Salad immediately or refrigerate for later use.
