Creating a delicious and satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad, you’re diving into a delightful fusion of flavors that delivers the essence of a classic club sandwich, packed into a creamy, crunchy pasta salad. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a family meal, this dish is a favorite for its convenience and versatility. I first stumbled upon a similar recipe during a casual brunch, and I was instantly hooked by the combination of textures and flavors. With just a handful of ingredients that you probably have on hand, you can create a crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will love!
Why you’ll love this dish
So why should you whip up this scrumptious pasta salad? For starters, it’s a quick and easy recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore but you still want to serve something special. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, requiring minimal effort. Kid-approved and packed with a variety of textures—from the crisp celery to the creamy dressing—it’s a dish that appeals to all ages.
"This pasta salad has become our go-to for summer barbecues! It’s easy to make, and the flavors are just incredible." – Sarah M.
Preparing Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad: Creamy, Crunchy, & Customizable
Let’s dive into how to make this pasta salad. You’ll start with cooking your macaroni until al dente. While it cools, you’ll mix up the creamy dressing, toss everything together, and allow the flavors to meld. Simple, right? The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—you can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have or your personal preferences.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a delicious Chicken Club Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 4 slices bacon (crumbled)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed)
Feel free to substitute different pasta shapes, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter touch.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooled macaroni, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, celery, green bell pepper, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this pasta salad can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like. For a casual lunch, spoon generous portions into bowls or plates, and enjoy it chilled. If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or lay out a spread of fresh veggies for dipping. This versatile salad also makes for a fantastic light dinner alongside a fresh green salad.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To keep your chicken club pasta salad fresh, transfer leftover portions to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. As always, ensure you’re handling food safely—never leave leftovers out at room temperature for over two hours.
If you want to freeze it, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. It’s best to freeze only the pasta and the dressing separately, and add fresh veggies when you’re ready to serve it again.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some helpful tips to perfect your chicken pasta salad:
- Let the macaroni cool completely before mixing it with the dressing to prevent the sauce from becoming too warm and runny.
- Take a moment to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving; sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Different ways to try it
Feeling adventurous? Here are some delicious variations you could explore:
- Swap in different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a little kick or feta for a Mediterranean touch.
- Use different proteins like turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Add in seasonally available vegetables such as peas or corn for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is about 30 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes of chilling time for the flavors to meld together.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is it safe to eat leftovers?
Yes, as long as you store it correctly in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume leftovers within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and quality.
With this easy chicken club pasta salad recipe in your arsenal, you’ll have a go-to dish that’s versatile, delicious, and sure to please anyone at the table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 4 slices bacon (crumbled)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed) Feel free to substitute different types of cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooled macaroni, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, celery, green bell pepper, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
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