Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
This recipe combines the classic flavors of a club sandwich into a delicious and easy pasta salad. It features tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne,rotini, rigatoni, or shells)
- 1 pound cooked chicken (chopped)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 pound cheddar cheese (½-inch cubes)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 ½ cups ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a very large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped celery, and chopped green bell pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over all the ingredients in the bowl. Add the optional fresh parsley, if using. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
- For the best texture, don’t overcook your pasta. Cooking it al dente is key.
- If making ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
- Feel free to add a little more or less dressing to suit your personal taste.
- For extra flavor, try using a sharp cheddar cheese.