First off, thank you so much for stopping by—I’m truly grateful to have you here! If you’ve ever craved something hearty, creamy, fresh, and satisfying all at once, this Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad is the one. It’s a little bit indulgent, a little bit zesty, and a whole lot of delicious! I’m talking about smoky bacon, juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and sharp cheddar tossed in a creamy dressing with tender pasta. It’s the classic club sandwich… transformed into the ultimate pasta salad. Anything but boring!!

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What is Chicken Club Pasta Salad?

Think of this as a club sandwich gone rogue—in the very best way. All your favorite elements: crispy bacon, grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, folded into a cold pasta salad dressed in a creamy ranch-style sauce. It’s picnic-ready, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for potlucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s got everything you want in one forkful: protein, veggies, carbs, crunch, and creaminess

Super customizable—add or swap ingredients based on what you’ve got

Delicious warm or cold (yes, you can eat it straight out of the fridge!)

It keeps beautifully for days, making it ideal for lunches or make-ahead dinners

What Does It Taste Like?

Savory, fresh, and creamy with a delightful contrast of textures. The bacon adds smokiness and crunch, the cheddar brings sharpness, while the chicken keeps it hearty. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweet acidity, balancing the creamy dressing and pasta perfectly. It’s rich without being heavy—just the right kind of indulgent!

Benefits of Making Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Great source of protein and fiber
Feeds a crowd easily
Meal prep gold—stays fresh for 3–4 days
Perfect as a main or a hearty side dish
Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cooked penne pasta
2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped romaine or green leaf lettuce
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

A large mixing bowl
A sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
A skillet or oven for cooking bacon
A saucepan for cooking pasta
A whisk or spoon for mixing dressing

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Add-ins: Avocado, red onion, cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, or even croutons
Substitutions:
Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option
Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a healthier or vegetarian version
Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here
Use pepper jack or Swiss instead of cheddar for a different flavor kick

How to Make Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.

Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Chop and prep the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and crumbled bacon.

Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra black pepper if desired.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor—or enjoy immediately if you can’t wait!

What to Serve With It

Crusty bread or garlic toast
Grilled corn on the cob
Fresh fruit salad
Iced tea or lemonade
Or serve it inside lettuce cups for a low-carb twist!

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best so it holds up in the dressing
Let the pasta cool before adding lettuce to keep it crisp
Make the bacon extra crispy for the best texture contrast
Add the lettuce just before serving if making ahead
Season well—taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 4 days
Give it a good stir before serving again
If needed, refresh with a little extra mayo or sour cream

General Info

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just leave out the lettuce until just before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes! A good ranch or creamy garlic dressing will work. But homemade is SO worth it.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your bacon and seasonings are gluten-free to make this a safe option.

Can I serve it warm?
You bet. It’s delicious slightly warm, especially if the chicken and bacon are freshly cooked.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Club Pasta Salad is proof that pasta salad doesn’t have to be boring. It’s colorful, hearty, satisfying, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re packing lunches, feeding your family, or showing off at your next BBQ, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss.

Looking for more fresh and hearty salad-style dishes? Try these next:

Peachy BBQ Chicken Salad
Grilled Peach and Burrata Pasta
Creamy Summer Corn and Tomato Pasta

If you make this Chicken Club Pasta Salad, I’d LOVE to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, share your photo on Pinterest, and don’t forget to tag me. Your creations truly make my day.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 480
Protein: 29g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg

Thanks again for being here—your next favorite meal is just one bowl away!