Club Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Club Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish combining tender pasta, savory chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and let it cool to prevent wilting other ingredients.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken breast, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
- Step 3: Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly without crushing the tomatoes or lettuce.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for a fresh, room temperature salad or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour if you prefer it cold.
Tips & Variations
- Add a light dressing such as ranch or Italian for extra flavor, or use a vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
- Substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or omit for a lighter version.
- Include other fresh vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers to increase crunch and color.
- Use leftover roasted chicken to save prep time.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time for fresh texture. If chilled, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Avoid freezing, as lettuce and tomatoes may become soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. It’s best to add lettuce just before serving if you want to maintain its crispness.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Rotini, bowtie, or penne pasta are excellent choices as they hold dressing and ingredients well while providing a pleasant texture.
PrintClub Pasta Salad Recipe
This Club Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish combining cooked pasta with diced chicken breast, turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for a colorful and protein-packed meal. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions by boiling in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool to room temperature to prevent wilting the lettuce later.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken breast, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce, ensuring even distribution of each component.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together to mix them without breaking the pasta or bruising the lettuce and tomatoes, creating a well-balanced salad.
- Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, room-temperature dish or place it in the refrigerator for about an hour to enjoy a cooler, more refreshing pasta salad.
Notes
- Use rotini, bowtie, or penne pasta as they hold dressing and ingredients well.
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Optionally, add a light dressing like a vinaigrette or mayonnaise to enhance flavor.
- Can be customized with other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Best consumed within 24 hours for freshness.
Keywords: Club Pasta Salad, chicken pasta salad, turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad, lunch salad
