Name: Creamy Chicken Club Pasta Salad Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells); 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great); 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce; ½ cup red onion, finely diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or pickle juice); 1 tsp honey or maple syrup; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

A delightful twist on the classic chicken club sandwich—tender chicken, crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and al dente pasta all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

12 oz (340 g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
½ cup red onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions

For the Creamy Club Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or pickle juice)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta
: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and drain again. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2️⃣ Prepare the dressing
: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), Dijon, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.

3️⃣ Assemble the salad
: To the bowl of cooled pasta, add chicken, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top.

4️⃣ Toss gently
: Using two large spoons or salad tongs, toss everything until well coated—take care not to crush the tomatoes or shred the lettuce too fine.

5️⃣ Chill & meld
: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) to let flavors marry. Give it a quick stir before serving, adding a splash of milk or extra mayo if it seems too thick.

6️⃣ Garnish & serve
: Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh pop of color. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Make-ahead: Prep the dressing and chop ingredients up to a day ahead. Cook pasta and combine everything several hours before serving for best flavor.
Crunch factor: Stir in ½ cup diced celery or bell pepper for extra crunch.
Herb boost: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, dill, or basil.
Spicy twist: Mix ½ tsp Sriracha or hot sauce into the dressing.
Protein swap: Use diced ham or turkey in place of chicken for a deli-style variation.
Lightened up: Swap half the mayo for extra yogurt and use turkey bacon.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min