Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
This Chicken Pasta Salad features cooked spiral pasta tossed with cooked, seasoned chicken, crisp cooked bacon bits, cubed mild Colby jack cheese, chopped green bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh avocado. The dressing is a blend of Italian salad dressing and mayonnaise, which coats the ingredients evenly with a creamy yet tangy flavor profile.
The salad is assembled by combining cooled pasta with the vegetables, cheese, and meats, then adding the dressing. Avocado and bacon are best added just before serving to preserve texture and freshness. The salad provides a mix of textures from tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy peppers with salty bacon and mild cheese.
It serves well as a main or side dish at meals, picnics, or potlucks. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days, retaining flavor if stored properly. Additional dressing can be added before serving if the salad becomes dry.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
- ¾ cup Italian salad dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups chicken we used packaged fiesta chicken, cooked seasoned
- 8 liced Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Colby jack cheese cubed
- 1 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted, chopped
Instructions
- Boil water in a medium pot. Add the pasta and cook until firm, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Add the Italian Dressing and Mayo to a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth.
- In a large bowl, add pasta, chicken, bacon, cheese, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
- Pour the dressing over the top and stir until evenly covered.
Notes
- Prepare the salad ahead and keep it refrigerated, adding avocado and bacon just before serving to avoid browning and sogginess.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add reserved dressing before serving to refresh the salad if it dries out.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 10g | |
| Calories | 282kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 309mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 278mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 352IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 106mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
