The Ultimate Chicken Club Pasta Salad 🥗🥓
There is something so nostalgic about a Club Sandwich, but let’s be honest—sometimes you just want a big, chilled bowl of comfort that you can prep ahead of time. This Chicken Club Pasta Salad is vibrant, packed with protein, and features a creamy ranch dressing that ties the smoky bacon and fresh avocado together perfectly.
Whether you're hosting a spring backyard gathering or looking for a "grab-and-go" lunch for the kids, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
📋 Recipe Overview
Prep time: 20 mins ⏱️
Cook time: 45 mins 🔥
Yields: One large family-sized bowl
🛒 The Ingredients
The Base:
1 box Tri-colored spiral pasta (The colors make this look so "styled" on the plate!)
1.5 lbs Chicken breast, cubed
1 pack Applewood smoked bacon (For that deep, smoky crunch)
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, cubed
The Fresh Mix-ins:
15 Grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 Large avocado, cubed
2 cups Shredded lettuce (Add this just before serving for maximum crunch!)
The Seasoning:
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder
Olive Oil
The Signature Dressing:
1 cup Mayonnaise
1 packet Ranch seasoning
👩🍳 Professional Instructions
Step 1: The Roasted Chicken 🍗
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cube your chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for approximately 45 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Step 2: Pasta & Bacon Prep 🥓
While the chicken is roasting:
Boil your tri-colored pasta until al dente. Drain and transfer to your largest mixing bowl.
Cook the bacon until extra crispy. Once cooled, crunch it into small, flavorful bits.
Step 3: The Fresh Cut 🍅
Slice the grape tomatoes in half and cube your avocado and cheese. Shred the lettuce into thin ribbons.
Mom-Tip: If you're prepping this a day early, keep the avocado and lettuce separate until the very last second to keep them fresh and vibrant!
Step 4: The "Ranch" Secret 🥣
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and the ranch seasoning packet until smooth. This creates a much richer, thicker dressing than store-bought bottled ranch.
Step 5: The Grand Assembly ✨
Add the roasted chicken, bacon bits, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado to the bowl of noodles. Pour that creamy dressing over the top and stir until every spiral is evenly coated. Fold in the shredded lettuce last.
💡Styling Tips
Pop of Color: The tri-color pasta already does a lot of the work, but serving this in a Bowl really makes the reds of the tomatoes and greens of the avocado stand out.
The "Perfect Bite": Make sure your chicken, cheese, and avocado are all cubed to a similar size. It makes the salad look professional and ensures a perfect "club" flavor in every forkful.