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Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Chicken Club Pasta Salad
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The Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying one-bowl dish combining tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or gatherings, this vibrant salad offers a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs with a colorful presentation and customizable options to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta

Protein

  • 1 cup grilled chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled or chopped

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup crisp romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
  2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked and juicy. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Cook bacon strips on a skillet until crispy, then crumble or chop into small portions.
  3. Chop and Toss Fresh Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop romaine lettuce, and thinly slice green onions. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to achieve a creamy, tangy balance that complements the salad.
  5. Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use al dente pasta to prevent mushiness and maintain great texture.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid overwhelming the ingredients.
  • Cool pasta completely before tossing to prevent wilting lettuce or melting cheese.
  • Prep chicken and bacon a day ahead to save time.
  • Store salad covered in the fridge and serve chilled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken club pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic salad, make-ahead salad

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