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Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon

Name: Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon
Ingredients: 300 g dried pasta shells; 200 g cooked chicken breast; 150 g streaky bacon; 100 g cherry tomatoes; 100 g frozen peas; 150 g mayonnaise; 10 g fresh chives; 2 g salt; 1 g black pepper

Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon is a filling and fresh meal that works well for lunch or dinner. It combines tender meat with crispy vegetables and a creamy dressing. This recipe is easy to prepare in advance and store in the fridge. It is a popular choice for picnics and family gatherings.

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Benefits of making pasta salad with chicken and bacon

This pasta salad with chicken and bacon uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying dish. The combination of salty bacon and mild chicken provides a great balance of flavours. Using a creamy mayonnaise based dressing helps the salad stay moist and tasty. You can easily adjust the vegetables to suit your own taste.

Follow these simple steps for pasta salad with chicken and bacon

Step 1

Cook the pasta: Boil a large saucepan of salted water and add the pasta. Cook according to the packet instructions until it is tender. Drain the water and let the pasta cool down completely. You can rinse it under cold water to speed up the process.

Step 2

Prepare the meat: Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry them in a pan until they are crispy. Slice the cooked chicken breast into bite sized chunks. Set both aside to cool before adding them to the salad. This ensures the dressing does not melt.

Step 3

Prepare vegetables: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and finely chop the fresh chives. Thaw the frozen peas by rinsing them in warm water for a moment. Make sure all the ingredients are dry before mixing them together.

Step 4

Mix the salad: Put the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, peas and mayonnaise. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chives on top and serve cold.

Tips and tricks for pasta salad with chicken and bacon

Make sure the pasta and cooked meats are completely cold before you mix in the mayonnaise. If the ingredients are still warm, the dressing will become thin and greasy. You can add a little bit of Greek yoghurt to the dressing if you want a lighter version of the pasta salad with chicken and bacon.

Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour before serving allows the flavours to develop. If the salad seems a bit dry the next day, just stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise. This dish is great for meal prep as it stays fresh for several days. Always keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the best quality.

Find more ideas here: goulash soup, salad with steak or tuna mousse with butter.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

300 g dried pasta shells
200 g cooked chicken breast
150 g streaky bacon
100 g cherry tomatoes
100 g frozen peas
150 g mayonnaise
10 g fresh chives
2 g salt
1 g black pepper

Cooking time

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:3117 kJ / 745 kcal
Fat:49 g
- of which saturates:11 g
Carbohydrates:45 g
- of which sugars:3 g
Protein:32 g
Fibre:3 g
Salt:750 mg

You can store pasta salad with chicken and bacon in an airtight container for up to three days. It is best to keep it chilled at all times to keep the mayonnaise and meat fresh. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can stir in a little more mayonnaise before serving.

Can I make this pasta salad with chicken and bacon ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad with chicken and bacon is perfect for preparing in advance. The flavours often improve after resting for a few hours in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before you serve it to your guests.

What vegetables work best in this salad?

Cherry tomatoes and peas are traditional choices for this dish. You can also add sweetcorn or red onion for more crunch. Make sure all vegetables are chopped into small pieces to match the size of the pasta shells.