This Cobb Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a Cobb salad with the heartiness of pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for lunch, potlucks, or picnics. With tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy blue cheese, this salad has a fantastic mix of textures and flavors. Tossed with a light ranch or vinaigrette dressing, it’s a refreshing and filling meal that brings together the best of both worlds—salad and pasta. This recipe can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for easy, make-ahead meals.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta if preferred)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing (or vinaigrette of choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool, then set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, cook and crumble the bacon, dice the avocado, and chop the hard-boiled eggs.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, chicken, bacon, avocado, eggs, blue cheese, green onions, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Give it a gentle toss before serving.
This Cobb Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion—fresh, filling, and sure to be a hit with everyone!