If you love the classic flavors of a chicken club sandwich, you’ll adore this hearty Chicken Club Pasta Salad.
Tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy Muenster cheese, crisp vegetables, and buttery avocado are tossed together with corkscrew pasta in a creamy Italian dressing for a refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
This easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, summer cookouts, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch any day of the week.
The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, crunchy vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a colorful dish that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat.
Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini)
- 3/4 cup Italian-style salad dressing, or more to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
- 12 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed Muenster cheese
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
Directions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled. Drain thoroughly.
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, Muenster cheese, celery, green bell pepper, and diced avocado.
- Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and add additional Italian dressing if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Toss again just before serving.
Chef’s Notes
- Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese make excellent substitutes for Muenster.
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions add extra color and freshness.
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, or fried chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir in a splash of Italian dressing before serving if needed.