Get ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious! The Cobb Salad Pasta Toss is the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and hearty flavors, making it an irresistible choice for any meal. Imagine al dente penne pasta tossed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with zesty ranch dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive in and discover how to whip up this delightful fusion of classic Cobb salad and pasta in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. If you haven't already, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may add salt, pepper, or more ranch dressing according to your preference.
- Once everything is combined, transfer the Cobb Salad Pasta Toss to a serving dish or individual bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled blue cheese or chopped herbs for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is still slightly warm, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled version. Enjoy your delicious Cobb Salad Pasta Toss!
Tips
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: For the best texture, be sure to cook the penne pasta until it's al dente. This will help it hold up against the other ingredients and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Dice the chicken and avocado, crumble the bacon, and halve the cherry tomatoes before you start cooking the pasta.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to get creative! Add other favorite ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, olives, or different types of cheese to make the dish your own.
- Chill for Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the Cobb Salad Pasta Toss chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste the salad after mixing in the ranch dressing and adjust to your liking. You can add more dressing for creaminess or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of additional crumbled blue cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This dish is versatile! Serve it slightly warm for a comforting meal, or chill it for a refreshing summer salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 518kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
