Get ready for a crave-worthy twist on a deli classic: Chicken Club Pasta Salad. This dish brings together all of the irresistible flavors of your favorite club sandwich and turns them into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing pasta salad that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any casual get-together. With juicy chicken, crisp bacon, creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, and a zingy homemade dressing, every forkful is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Trust me, this is the kind of salad you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how these simple, everyday ingredients come together for such memorable results. Each one adds its own magic—whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or that perfect pop of color—creating a Chicken Club Pasta Salad that tastes as great as it looks.
- Rotini pasta: Its spirals are just right for catching that luscious dressing and all the tasty mix-ins.
- Chicken breast: Use cooked and diced chicken for juicy bites of protein in every scoop.
- Bacon: Cooked until perfectly crisp and crumbled for irresistible smoky flavor and crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a sweet, juicy burst and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded to distribute sharp, creamy goodness throughout the salad.
- Red onion: Adds just the right snap and a subtle bite to balance the richness.
- Avocado: Diced just before mixing in so it stays creamy and vibrant.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright herbal finish and a hit of green.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for that classic club sandwich vibe in the dressing.
- Sour cream: Gives the dressing a tangy smoothness—swap for Greek yogurt if you’d like it lighter.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle heat to perk up every bite.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with a pop of citrusy freshness.
- Garlic powder: Provides gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Just enough to add a touch of warmth.
How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You’ll see the ingredients quickly come together into a silky, tangy dressing that brings out the best in every other component. Don’t be shy with your whisk—make sure those seasonings are evenly distributed for the brightest flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Grab a separate large bowl and pile in the cooled rotini pasta, diced chicken breast, crispy crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, creamy avocado cubes, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient is key to nailing that signature Chicken Club Pasta Salad flavor, so you want everything evenly mixed and ready for the dressing.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour your creamy dressing right over the colorful mix of pasta and goodies. Gently toss everything with a large spoon or spatula, making sure every piece is coated with the dressing. Gentle is key—so the avocado stays in beautiful bite-sized pieces and nothing gets smushed.
Step 4: Chill to Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This short rest makes a big difference! It gives the flavors time to blend together and the dressing to soak into the pasta, taking your Chicken Club Pasta Salad from tasty to truly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give everything a gentle toss and taste for any last-minute seasoning tweaks. Serve straight from the bowl or transfer to a pretty platter for an extra touch of flair—you’re guaranteed smiles and second helpings!
How to Serve Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Garnish your Chicken Club Pasta Salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few additional crumbles of bacon right before serving. A handful of sliced green onions or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top is always a win, too. These little finishing touches not only make the dish look lovely but crank up the flavor even more!
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is super hearty on its own, but it’s also perfect with classic summer sides. Pair it with a platter of fresh fruit, some grilled corn on the cob, or crusty garlic bread. For a light meal, serve alongside a mixed green salad or a bowl of chilled soup. It fits in anywhere—and tastes like summertime.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Chicken Club Pasta Salad in lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for individual portions packed with color and crunch. If you’re hosting a brunch or picnic, spoon the salad into small mason jars or cups for a grab-and-go option. No matter how you present it, everyone will want seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Club Pasta Salad holds up beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator when tightly covered. If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the avocado until just before serving so it stays green and fresh. A squeeze of lemon over the avocado pieces can help prevent browning, too.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad because ingredients like avocado, fresh vegetables, and mayonnaise-based dressing can change texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy Chicken Club Pasta Salad fresh or refrigerated—it’s just not a freezer-friendly dish.
Reheating
This salad is made to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no reheating necessary. If it’s been chilled for a while and the dressing seems a bit thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or lemon juice to refresh the texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an easy substitute that adds even more flavor to Chicken Club Pasta Salad. Just shred or dice the meat and add it in as you would the cooked chicken breast.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?
To keep avocado looking (and tasting) fresh, add it just before serving and consider tossing the cubes in a bit of lemon juice. If you’re prepping ahead, store cut avocado airtight with as little air contact as possible.
Can I make Chicken Club Pasta Salad dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cheddar cheese for your favorite plant-based cheese and use a vegan mayo and sour cream substitute. The salad remains creamy and delicious with just a few simple swaps.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can easily be made gluten-free! Just use your favorite gluten-free rotini or any short pasta you love. Check all packaged ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I add extra vegetables or greens?
Definitely. Chicken Club Pasta Salad is versatile—throw in a handful of spinach, chopped romaine, or even some diced cucumbers for an extra boost of greens and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s hearty enough for a meal yet bright and lively for any gathering, Chicken Club Pasta Salad is the answer. It’s deliciously inviting, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple at every picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner!
Print
Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (assembled cold)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a light meal or a potluck gathering. Tender rotini pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a flavorful dressing, creating a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (cooled)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Salad: In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, avocado, and parsley.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add a handful of spinach or chopped romaine for extra greens.
- Wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
