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Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Creamy Chicken Club Pasta Salad made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, juicy tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful ranch-style dressing. An easy make-ahead lunch, side dish, or potluck recipe.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings: 8 People
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Creamy Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
  7. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  9. Before serving, stir the salad well. If it seems dry, add a little extra ranch dressing, mayonnaise, or sour cream.
  10. Garnish with additional bacon, cheddar, or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta only until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
Cool the pasta before adding the creamy dressing.
Drain and dry tomatoes and other wet vegetables well.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Add dressing gradually because pasta absorbs dressing as it sits.
For meal prep, reserve a little dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Keep the finished salad refrigerated because it contains chicken, bacon, dairy, and mayonnaise.