Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Club Sandwich Vibes – All the iconic ingredients in a pasta salad format.
✅ Creamy & Crunchy – The dressing coats every noodle, while veggies and bacon add texture.
✅ Meal Prep Hero – Stays fresh for days and travels well.
✅ Customizable – Swap proteins, add cheese, or adjust herbs.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or office potlucks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 4–6

For the Salad:

• 🍝 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
• 🍗 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled, rotisserie, or pan-seared)
• 🥓 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 🥑 1 avocado, diced
• 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 🥬 1 cup shredded romaine or spinach (for a fresh crunch)
• 🧅 ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 🥄 ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 🥄 2 tbsp sour cream
• 🥄 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 🍋 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 🌿 1 tsp dried dill or parsley
• 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 🧀 ½ cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta
• 🥚 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 🥒 ½ cup diced cucumber for extra crunch

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

• Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
• Drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• In a large mixing bowl, toss together the pasta, chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, romaine, and red onion.
• Pour the dressing over and mix gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
• Before serving, garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a finishing touch.

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Why This Recipe Works

🔥 Balanced Textures – Creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies create the perfect bite.
💡 Customizable Flavors – Easily swap or add ingredients based on preference.
🥗 Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for leftovers.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make It a Full Meal – Serve with a side of garlic bread or a bowl of soup.
✅ Add a Tangy Twist – Mix in a spoonful of pickle relish or chopped pickles for extra flavor.
✅ Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
✅ Storage Tips – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
✅ Dairy-Free Option – Swap mayo and sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan yogurt.