This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a satisfying twist on the classic club sandwich—turned into a hearty, flavorful salad. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features a delicious mix of pasta, tender chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect as a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s packed with protein and texture, from juicy chicken to crunchy bacon and crisp vegetables. It’s also extremely versatile—great for picnics, potlucks, or as a stand-alone meal. The creamy ranch dressing ties everything together, making it indulgent yet refreshing. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and holds up well in the fridge for days.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as rigatoni, shells, rotini, or penne)
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup ranch dressing

directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, celery, and green bell pepper.
3. Add the dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Chill or serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Toss in chopped romaine or spinach for added freshness.
• Spice it up: Use spicy ranch dressing or add chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
• Use a different cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda.
• Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat ranch or substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and lemon.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and bacon, and replace with boiled eggs and chickpeas for protein.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating is needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will suffer once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Club Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold up well and allow the dressing to coat each bite evenly.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It saves time and adds great flavor to the salad.

Is it necessary to rinse the pasta?

Yes, rinsing stops the cooking and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy or melting the cheese.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing?

Yes, but feel free to use homemade ranch if you prefer fresher flavors or want to control ingredients.

What can I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with fruit salad, garlic bread, or a cup of soup for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese and dressing alternative to make this suitable for dairy-free diets.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

Be sure to cook it al dente and rinse it with cold water immediately after draining.

Conclusion

Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish that comes together in minutes and stays delicious for days. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, it’s an ideal choice for lunches, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Quick, convenient, and satisfying, this pasta salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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