Description
Chicken Club Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish combining tender chicken breast, crispy smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing (natural). Perfect for lunches, dinners, or gatherings, this salad offers a balanced medley of textures and flavors that delight the palate while being simple to prepare and adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked short pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite), al dente
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups crisp lettuce or mixed greens, torn
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar dressing (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of dried herbs or spices (optional, such as parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and to keep the pasta firm for the salad.
- Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Boil or grill the chicken breast until thoroughly cooked. Allow it to cool and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp, chop into small strips, and set aside.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cherry tomatoes and red onion. Slice the avocado and tear or chop the lettuce or mixed greens into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar dressing (natural), olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried herbs or spices for a bright and balanced dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, turkey bacon, vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the taste.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- Ensure chicken, bacon, and pasta are cooled before mixing to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Chop all ingredients into uniform pieces for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten the salad further.
- Toss the salad gently and add dressing gradually to avoid over-saturating ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken salad, pasta salad, club salad, turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese salad, healthy pasta salad
