Chicken and bacon pasta salad
Gather the family around the table with this chicken and bacon pasta salad, ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy rocket, and pesto cream cheese combined with fresh veggies for a salad everyone will enjoy. Whether you are tackling a busy weeknight or enjoying a laid-back weekend lunch, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal together.
Ingredients
|
600 g
Penne pasta
|
|
|---|---|
|
300 g
Cream cheese
|
|
|
4
Chicken breasts
|
|
|
200 g
Bacon
|
|
|
1
Broccoli
|
|
|
1
Red onion
|
|
|
400 g
Rocket
|
|
|
500 g
Cherry tomatoes
|
|
|
Salt and pepper, to taste
|
Quality vegetables make a difference
Choose vegetables that look bright, firm, and free from blemishes. Select cherry tomatoes with smooth skins and vibrant colour, and pick rocket with bright green leaves that are free from wilting. For broccoli, look for firm stalks and tightly packed, deep green florets without any yellowing. When it comes to red onions, go for ones with smooth, shiny skins and a firm feel, avoiding any that are soft or sprouting.
Put leftover chicken to good use
Leftover roast chicken is perfect for this salad. It saves time and adds a deeper aroma from the roasting process. Simply slice or shred it and mix it with other ingredients for a practical and quicker upgrade.
FAQ: Questions about chicken and bacon pasta salad
If you want to know more about this chicken and bacon pasta salad and get the best results every time, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. Read on to find out more.
Can I prepare chicken and bacon pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chicken and bacon pasta salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Allowing it to rest overnight helps the flavours build. If the cream cheese thickens or loses its smoothness, stir in a small splash of milk or water before serving to restore its creamy texture.
How do I store leftover chicken and bacon pasta salad?
Store leftover chicken and bacon pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing the entire salad is not recommended, as the cream cheese may change its texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and use it within 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before adding it back to a fresh batch of salad.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
4355 Kcal
| Fibre | 43.5 gram fibers |
| Protein | 262.5 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 466.4 gram |
| Fat | 157.6 gram |
Other recipes
Cook an easy chicken and bacon pasta salad
This chicken and bacon pasta salad is a quick, no-fuss recipe, an excellent choice for busy days. In just 30 minutes, you can have everything ready to serve. Simply cook the pasta, fry the bacon and chicken, and toss them with fresh vegetables and rocket-pesto cream cheese. What truly sets this salad apart is the harmony of smoky, creamy, and fresh ingredients in every bite.
Looking for more salad inspiration? Try our falafel salad for a tasty twist, explore the fresh flavours of a gem lettuce salad, or enjoy the fruity lightness of a berry salad. Each recipe offers something different to suit your tastes.
Salty and savoury bacon and chicken
The golden, pan-fried chicken brings a soft, juicy texture, offering a savoury touch to the salad. Paired with crispy bacon, rich with smoky aromas and just the right amount of saltiness, these two ingredients make up the heavier part of the salad. Fill every forkful with succulent chicken and crunchy bacon for excitement in every bite.
With all your favourite crunchy and juicy veggies
We have brought a few of our favourite vegetables together because we love lively colours, textures, and flavours in our chicken and bacon pasta salad! Grated broccoli adds a gentle crunch, finely sliced red onion offers a subtle bite, and cherry tomatoes provide a touch of sweetness. These vegetables work as the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savoury meats, giving the meal the freshness it needs.
Enveloped in creamy rocket and pesto cream cheese
The rocket and pesto cream cheese ties the salad together with its velvety consistency and herby, tangy profile. The slight pepperiness of the rocket and the bold, aromatic notes of the pesto create a flavourful layer that enhances every bite. The way the cream cheese coats every piece of veggie, chicken, and bacon plays a major part in how delicious this salad remains.
Excels as a hearty lunch or exciting dinner
Imagine enjoying this chicken and bacon pasta salad on a sunny afternoon at a picnic or sharing it during a laid-back dinner under the soft glow of evening lights. The choice of ingredients makes this a great bring-along meal if you want to enjoy it outside.
Serve it with olive focaccia to make the meal more filling and introduce a savoury complement. Whether it is a casual lunch in the garden or an easy dinner with family, this pasta salad brings comfort to any setting.
Add your own twist
Get creative with this recipe for chicken and bacon pasta salad by experimenting with the ingredients to make it your own. Adjust the creamy base by using garlic or chives for a sharper kick. You can also swap out or combine ingredients like buttermilk, mayonnaise, or yoghurt to create a dressing that suits your preferred consistency—thicker for a heartier salad or lighter for a fresher taste.
For extra variety, try including dried cranberries or toasted nuts. The cranberries provide a tangy sweetness, contrasting the smoky bacon and tender chicken, while toasted nuts introduce a crisp texture and a nutty undertone.
To add even more variety, toss in shredded carrots for a hint of sweetness and crunch or sliced ripe olives for a touch of briny depth. These swaps can subtly shift the overall balance, depending on your preferences.
