If you’re looking for a showstopping dish that delivers bold flavor, color, and satisfying textures in every bite, Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad might just become your new go-to. The juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado all mingle with tender pasta, fresh greens, and a tangy homemade dressing. Every forkful is a party of contrasts and complements – it’s bright, hearty, and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re prepping a family dinner, a picnic, or a midweek meal prep, this salad is about to steal the spotlight.

Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of simple staples, but don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient brings something special to the table. Every item below contributes layers of taste, texture, or freshness to make Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad truly memorable.

Penne Pasta: The perfect shape for soaking up that luscious dressing, adding satisfying bite to every mouthful.
Chicken Breasts: Grilling brings out their smoky, juicy flavors, making this salad hearty enough to stand alone.
Olive Oil: Used for both grilling and in the dressing, it delivers healthy fats and a subtle richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and allowing all those vibrant flavors to shine.
Cooked Bacon: Crispy, smoky bits add an irresistible crunch and an extra dose of savory goodness.
Avocado: Diced and creamy, it lends a buttery texture and a mellow flavor that balances the smokiness of the bacon.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their bright, juicy pop provides freshness and tang.
Baby Spinach or Arugula: Brings a peppery bite and gorgeous, leafy green color.
Grated Parmesan (optional): A final touch of sharp, salty intrigue if you want to go the extra mile.
Dressing Ingredients (Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Salt & Pepper): This zippy blend ties the salad together and highlights every flavor.

How to Make Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a boil and add your penne. Cook it just until it’s al dente (check the package for timing) – this helps the pasta keep its shape and keep your salad from getting soggy. Once cooked, give it a quick rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and help the pasta chill, then set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, brush your chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt and black pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through—use a grill pan if you don’t have access to a grill. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes so all the juices stay inside, then slice it into strips. This step brings that irresistible smoky flavor that makes Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad so special.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sharp Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This zesty, garlicky dressing wakes up every ingredient and gives the salad its signature brightness. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large bowl and pile in the cooled penne pasta, vibrant greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and crispy bacon crumbles. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top, then drizzle the whole bowl with your homemade dressing. Gently toss everything until every piece is lightly coated and the flavors are mingling together. At this point, the Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad will look absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

For a final flourish, sprinkle over the grated Parmesan if you’d like a savory finish. Give it one last gentle toss or scatter the cheese on top for a pretty presentation. Your salad is ready to serve and is bursting with color, flavor, and sheer dinnertime magic!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Don’t skip a wonderful garnish! Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, an extra sprinkle of black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon over the top can add that final pop of vibrancy. A little extra Parmesan or a few whole cherry tomatoes add fun texture for extra “wow” factor.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad is a meal in itself, but you can round out your table with warm crusty bread, a bowl of soup, or some grilled veggies on the side. Each option brings even more comfort and color to your meal, making it an ideal pick for gatherings or picnics.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks and parties, Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad is beautiful in a big, clear glass bowl so every color and layer is visible. You can also serve it in mason jars for portable single servings, or arrange it on a platter lined with fresh greens for a dramatic, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, though the avocado is best when freshly cut. If possible, add avocado just before serving if you’re planning ahead.

Freezing

Pasta salad doesn’t generally freeze well, especially with ingredients like avocado and fresh greens that may lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage only.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it super convenient for meal prep or outdoor gatherings. If you prefer, you can quickly warm up the chicken before adding it to the cold salad, but avoid reheating the entire salad to preserve the freshness of the veggies and greens.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle also catch the dressing and mix-ins beautifully. Just be sure not to overcook your pasta so the salad keeps its lovely texture.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem. A grill pan or even a regular skillet works just fine for cooking the chicken. You’ll still get that delicious, golden crust and juicy center!

Is there a substitute for bacon?

If you’d like to make this salad pork-free, try turkey bacon for a lighter alternative, or toss in some smoked almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch and a hint of smoky flavor.

Can this salad be made dairy-free?

Definitely. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese, and double-check your dressing ingredients. The salad will still be creamy and satisfying thanks to the avocado and olive oil-based dressing.

How far in advance can I make Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad?

You can prep all components (except the avocado) up to one day ahead. Add freshly diced avocado just before serving for the best color and texture, and give everything a quick toss with dressing to freshen it up.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Bacon Pasta Salad with people you love. It’s fresh, filling, and packed with personality. Take this recipe for a spin—you’re about to earn rave reviews from your family and friends, and maybe even find yourself craving it for lunches, picnics, and busy weeknights again and again!