Delicious Chicken Gorgonzola Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re looking to impress your guests at your next dinner party, look no further than this Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad Recipe. I guarantee this recipe will have them coming back for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I can confidently attest that this pasta salad has been a guaranteed crowd-pleaser time and time again. The combination of tender chicken, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, juicy diced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and radiatore pasta coated in a creamy spinach Gorgonzola dressing is simply irresistible.
Best of all, this salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or as the main course. Plus, with its vibrant colors and exceptional flavor profile, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a lover of pasta salads? What about chicken and blue cheese? Then, you are in for a treat because this chicken-gorgonzola pasta salad will knock your socks off! This is not just any regular pasta salad – it’s the perfect blend of flavors, all in one bowl. Each ingredient plays its role to create a truly sensational delight.
If you like creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in your salad, then the gorgonzola cheese dressing will take you to heaven. The salad has cooked radiatore pasta, adding that perfect texture that everyone craves. The cubed cooked chicken breast adds some delightful protein while the bacon bits add a crunchy texture! And don’t forget the Bibb lettuce’s beautiful green color and fresh taste!
This recipe is versatile enough to be served on various occasions – whether you’re having people over for lunch or looking for something to bring to a potluck. Once they taste this dish’s explosion of flavors, no one will be able to resist going back for seconds!
Trust me; this pasta salad will become a hit wherever you take it. So why wait when you can impress your friends and family with this fantastic recipe? Go ahead and try it out tonight!
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need to whip up this Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad Recipe:
For the salad:
- 7 cups of radiatore pasta
- 3 cups of cooked, cubed chicken breast
- 1 cup of crumbled gorgonzola
- ½ cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon
- 1 cup of diced red grapes
- 2 to 3 cups of bibb lettuce or spinach
For the dressing:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- ½ cup of blue cheese dressing
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
For the seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
Note: You can find most ingredients at your local grocery store. My personal preference is to use Fred Meyer’s deli copycat recipe for smoked chicken and sendik gorgonzola from Fred Meyers. I also recommend using Radiatore pasta for the best texture. However, you can substitute Radiatore pasta with Penne pasta, but you won’t get the famous pasta nuggets shape that adds more character and fun to the salad.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to put it all together. This is a recipe that requires a little bit of preparation but is worth it in the end! Here’s how to make the Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad:
Step 1: The Pasta
Start by cooking the Radiatore pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. Be sure not to overcook it as this pasta salad is best served with firm pasta. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold running water.
Tip: When cooking pasta for cold dishes like salads, make sure to salt the cooking water.
Step 2: The Chicken
Season boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and lemon pepper seasoning, to taste. Cook them over medium heat in a pan until they’re cooked through and no longer pink in the center which takes about 5-7 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. Once cooked, let it cool down and then cut into cubes.
Tip: Use leftover smoked or grilled chicken if you’re short on time.
Step 3: The Dressing
In a small bowl whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
Tip: For a healthier option use a Greek yogurt or oil-based dressing.
Step 4: Combine
In a large bowl combine pasta, cubed chicken breast, diced tomatoes, crumbled gorgonzola, spinach-gorgonzola salad (roughly chopped), and bacon bits. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Tip: Use roasted red peppers or red grapes instead of tomatoes for some sweetness and crunch.
Step 5: The Final Touch
Pour your prepared dressing over your mixture and stir until it’s coated evenly. Set aside in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so that flavors blend. Toss in even more cubed chicken or gorgonzola if needed before serving!
Tip: Don’t overdress your salad- add only what’s necessary to coat the ingredients otherwise its simply bad news.
And that’s it – this delicious Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics or packed lunches!
Substitutions and Variations
Cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to substitute certain ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. If you are looking for some inspiration, here are a few suggestions:
– Meat: Instead of chicken breasts, try smoked chicken, grilled shrimp or even cubed ham.
– Pasta: You can easily replace radiatore pasta with penne, rotini or any other pasta shape that you like.
– Cheese: If Gorgonzola is not your thing, try blue cheese, feta, goat cheese or Parmesan instead.
– Dressing: Instead of a creamy dressing like blue cheese, try a balsamic vinaigrette or Caesar dressing for a tangy and zesty flavor.
– Greens: While bibb lettuce is used in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for spinach or arugula for a peppery kick.
– Fruit: For an unexpected twist, diced apples or pears would add a delightful sweetness to the dish. Dried cranberries or cherries would also make a great addition.
Remember that cooking is a journey and not everyone will enjoy the same flavor combinations. So don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking and discover new variations that suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve whipped up this delicious Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad, it’s time to think about how to serve it up and what to pair it with.
First things first: this salad tastes great cold or at room temperature, so you can safely serve it at a summer barbecue or potluck without worrying about keeping it refrigerated. It also looks stunning served on a bed of fresh and delicate Bibb lettuce leaves with a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, cubes of bacon, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on top.
If you want to make the salad more substantial or turn it into a main dish, consider serving it with some grilled chicken breast. A dreamy grilled chicken cranberry salad would be an excellent pairing for this dish. You can also try adding some smoked chicken, which will lend the dish a smoky flavor that complements the pasta and cheese perfectly.
In terms of beverages, any light and refreshing drink such as rosé wine, sparkling water or iced tea would be an excellent choice alongside this creamy pasta salad. For beer drinkers, IPA’s or pale ales with citrus notes are highly recommended.
All in all, this Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad recipe is an expert in versatility; any choice you make for serving and pairing will only make it taste better!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making this Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad ahead of time to save yourself some hassle the day of the party, you’re in luck. This recipe can be assembled a day or two ahead and stored without the dressing in the refrigerator. Just add the dressing right before serving, and remember to toss the salad well before serving for maximum flavor distribution.
If you find yourself with leftovers or if you’ve made an extra-large batch of this scrumptious pasta salad, don’t fret. This dish stores particularly well, thanks to its sturdy ingredients that hold up over time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving again – presto! It’s as good as new.
Reheating is not necessary or recommended since there’s really no cooking involved, but if you want to serve this dish warm instead of cold, that’s doable too. Simply portion out what you’d like to eat and heat it up in a pan or microwave until warm. Be sure not to overdo it, though – overcooked pasta is nobody’s friend!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to creating this chicken-gorgonzola pasta salad, there are a few tips that can really help you achieve perfect results. Here are some tips that I’ve found to be particularly useful:
1. Use the best pasta: In my opinion, the shape of the pasta matters a lot in this recipe. I love using radiatore because it’s sturdy and holds up well to the dressing and other ingredients. Penne pasta also works well as a substitute.
2. Cook the chicken properly: It’s important to cook your boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly so they’re not dry or undercooked. Sprinkle them with lemon-pepper seasoning and bake them at 350°F until they’re no longer pink inside. After baking, let the chicken cool for a few minutes before cubing or shredding it.
3. Prep your ingredients ahead of time: This recipe requires quite a few ingredients, so I like to prepare everything ahead of time and have it ready on hand. This saves me time when I’m putting everything together.
4. Combine your ingredients well: When you’re mixing all your ingredients together in a large bowl, make sure to mix them thoroughly so that they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Chill before serving: This is an important step as it helps bring all the flavors together and keep the salad refreshing. Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for a couple hours before serving.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful chicken-gorgonzola pasta salad that is sure to impress your guests!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad recipe is a perfect addition to any party menu. It’s an affordable, yet impressive dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its unique combination of chicken, gorgonzola, bacon, and pasta salad, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Thanks to its versatility, this recipe can be altered to suit your preferences. Whether you want to swap the pasta for penne or add extra greens like bibb lettuce or spinach, you’re free to make it your own. Not only that, but you can also easily adjust the recipe to cater for dietary restrictions.
So why not try this delicious Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad recipe today? It’s bound to become a family favorite that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills long after the party has ended.
Chicken-Gorgonzola Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 cups uncooked radiatore, pasta (nuggets, about 19 oz.)
- 4 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts (about 20 oz.)
- 1 (2 1/8 ounce) package precooked bacon, cut up into small pieces (about 15 slices)
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, lightly packed
- 1 (16 ounce) jar refrigerated ranch dressing
- 1 cup gorgonzola, crumbled (4 oz)
- bibb lettuce, if desired (optional)
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes and spinach.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture, toss until coated.
- Fold in cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- To serve, line bowl with lettuce and spoon in salad.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!