Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece that screams California cool! This California Cobb Pasta Salad is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the classic Cobb salad with a pasta twist, delivering a perfect balance of protein, freshness, and creamy goodness in every single bite. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or just craving a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of cooked bacon (crumbled), 2 cups of cooked chicken (diced), 1 diced avocado, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese, 1/4 cup of ranch dressing, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, diced chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the mixture of bacon, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the bacon and blue cheese will add some saltiness.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the California Cobb Pasta Salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss again and transfer it to a serving bowl or individual plates. Enjoy your refreshing and hearty California Cobb Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just al dente to prevent a mushy texture. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent further softening.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the chicken and bacon in advance to save time and make assembly a breeze. You can even prepare the entire salad a day before serving.
- Avocado Hack: Add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its fresh, creamy texture.
- Dressing Distribution: For even flavor, gently fold the ranch dressing into the salad rather than dumping it all in one spot.
- Chill Factor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it sits, the more delicious it becomes!
- Customization: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference. Try different cheeses, add some chopped red onion, or use grilled chicken for extra flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled and garnish with extra blue cheese or fresh herbs for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
