Can I make chicken club pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes - this salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Hold the avocado and add it fresh right before serving each time.

What can I substitute for Muenster cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are both excellent substitutes. Sharp cheddar adds a bolder flavor, while mozzarella keeps things mild and creamy. Any semi-soft cheese that cubes cleanly will work well here.

Why does my pasta salad taste dry the next day?

Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits in the fridge. Stir in a tablespoon or two of Italian dressing before serving to bring the creaminess right back. This is completely normal and an easy fix every time.

Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad Recipe - Creamy, Protein-Packed and Crowd-Pleasing

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

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A light yet satisfying Chicken Club Pasta Salad loaded with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy Italian dressing. Perfect for summer feasts and meal prep.

Author: Sarah Mae Carter
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Boil, No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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2 cups corkscrew-shaped pasta (rotini or fusilli)
1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
4 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup cubed Muenster cheese
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced (add just before serving)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds to stop cooking. Shake out excess water and set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust tang by adding more Italian dressing if desired.
Add the cooled pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, crumbled bacon, cubed Muenster cheese, celery, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Do not over-stir.
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado gently. Stir in a splash of Italian dressing if needed to refresh the creaminess.

Notes

Always add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Never store it inside the salad container.
Stir in a splash of Italian dressing before serving leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
Swap mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Cheddar or mozzarella can replace Muenster cheese.
Turkey bacon or leftover grilled chicken work well as substitutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 21 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/chicken-club-pasta-salad/