Description
Enjoy a flavorful and satisfyingly creamy Chicken Club Pasta Salad combining cooked pasta, crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich ranch dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch or a party side dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cooked Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (rigatoni, shells, rotini, penne)
Proteins and Cheese
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta followed by the cooked bacon, chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, chopped celery, and green bell pepper.
- Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Salt your pasta water generously to enhance flavor, like the taste of the sea.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Rinse cooked pasta thoroughly with cold water to halt the cooking process and keep the salad crisp.
- Avoid adding extra salt at the end; the bacon, cheese, chicken, and ranch already provide enough saltiness.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh as flavors meld over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
