Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe

Alright, listen up: this pasta salad is like a flavor explosion in a bowl, and I promise it’s about to become your new go-to dish for when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I adore fusing the old-time tastes of a Cobb salad with a combination of pasta to create an even heartier and more satisfying meal. This Cobb Pasta Salad features not only the perfectly al dente fusilli that we could not stop eating straight off the cooking pot but also pound after pound of juicy, diced chicken breast and a not-so secret weapon: creamy avocados.

The dish is finished with the tang of blue cheese and the crunch of bacon. Hearty, filling, and deliciously close to a meal in itself, eat as is or add a fresh drippy egg on top for extra protein and a classic Cobb flavor.

Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber.
• Chicken Breast: High in protein, low in fat, perfect for muscle building.
• Avocados: Rich in healthy fats, offers a creamy texture and loads of fiber.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch and an irresistible savory flavor.
• Blue Cheese: Provides a tangy kick and contributes calcium and protein.
• Eggs: Excellent source of protein and vital vitamins like B12.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, tying all the flavors together nicely.

Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 avocados, diced
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta as per the given directions in a large pot of vigorously boiling water that has been salted to taste. Cook it until just shy of the right texture—everyone knows al dente means pasta that still has some bite, right? Drain and cool the pasta off under running cold water in the sink. Once the pasta is cool, however, it is no longer “cooked” in any meaningful way. This is a crucial step in using the pasta in a cold salad, but if you’re going to warm it and sauce it, you can skip the rinsing and use the pasta straight out of the colander.

2. In a large mixing bowl, blend the diced cooked chicken breast, cherry tomatoes cut in half, avocado, and bacon into bits.

3. Add the crumbled blue cheese and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl.

4. Add the chopped romaine lettuce.

5. In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and lemon juice with a whisk until smooth.

6. In the large mixing bowl, add the salad ingredients and the dressing.

7. Lightly mix all components together until all parts are uniformly enrobed in the dressing.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste, making adjustments as necessary.

9. Place the salad on a serving platter or in individual bowls.

10. If using, chop fresh parsley and sprinkle on top as garnish. Serve the meal right away.

Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Cutting board
7. Knife
8. Serving platter or individual bowls
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Yes, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni.
• Q: Can I make it in advance?A: Yes, but to get the best results, add the avocado and lettuce just before serving so they stay fresh.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?A: For sure! You could feta or goat cheese if you want something other than blue cheese.
• Q: How long will the salad keep in the fridge?A: The salad, when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will keep for 3 days at most.
• Q: Is there a dressing alternative to ranch?You can use a vinaigrette or any creamy dressing you like, such as Caesar or blue cheese dressing.
• Q: What can I substitute for bacon?A: Turkey bacon can be used, or you can simply leave it out for a vegetarian version.

Cobb Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Replace regular pasta with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to make your meal healthier or gluten-free.
Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon, or use vegetarian bacon as a meat-free alternative.
For a milder taste, substitute feta cheese for blue cheese crumbles.
Substitute balsamic vinaigrette for ranch dressing, or Caesar dressing for a different taste profile.
Replace romaine lettuce with spinach or arugula for a different texture and taste in a salad. Both greens work well with the salad ingredients listed below.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Perfection To ensure the pasta is perfectly al dente, check it a minute or two before the package instructions recommend. This prevents overcooking, especially since it will continue to soften slightly as it cools.

2. Avocado Handling To keep avocados fresh and green, cut them just before mixing into the salad. If preparing them early, squeeze a little lemon juice on them to prevent browning.

3. Crispy Bacon For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the fat to drip away and keeps the bacon evenly crispy.

4. Flavor Boost For an added depth of flavor, consider grilling the chicken breast before dicing. Grilled chicken will introduce a subtle smokiness that complements the other ingredients well.

5. Lettuce Layering When adding lettuce, keep it on top until just before serving if preparing in advance. This helps maintain its crispness and avoids wilting from the dressing.