Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Club Sandwich Vibes : All the iconic ingredients in a pasta salad format.
- Creamy & Crunchy : The dressing coats every noodle, while veggies and bacon add texture.
- Meal Prep Hero : Stays fresh for days and travels well.
- Customizable : Swap proteins, add cheese, or adjust herbs.
- Crowd-Pleaser : Perfect for gatherings or office potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4–6
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast , diced (grilled, rotisserie, or pan-seared)
- 6 slices bacon , cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 avocado , diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
- 1 cup shredded romaine or spinach (for a fresh crunch)
- ¼ cup red onion , finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta :
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.Crisp the Bacon :
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.Make the Dressing :
Whisk mayo, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.Combine Everything :
Toss pasta, chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, romaine, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and mix gently to coat.Chill & Serve :
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.