Apple Gouda Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Apple Gouda Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb short pasta; 1 green onion, sliced; 1/4 red onion, sliced; 4 strips bacon, cooked and chunked; 1 small Gala apple, thinly sliced; 4 oz gouda cheese, cubed; 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded; All-purpose seasoning, to taste; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup creamy garlic salad dressing, or to taste

This Apple Gouda Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender shredded chicken, creamy gouda, crispy bacon, and tart-sweet apple slices for a balanced, protein-packed meal that works hot or cold.

🌍American 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Chicken pasta salad 🏷️Apple gouda salad 🏷️Chicken Apple

🏷️

🏷️Gouda

-0:00

applesauceandadhdonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by applesauceandadhd

-0:00

applesauceandadhdonTikTok

Ingredients

1/2 lb short pasta
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
4 strips bacon, cooked and chunked
1 small Gala apple, thinly sliced
4 oz gouda cheese, cubed
1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
All-purpose seasoning, to taste
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup creamy garlic salad dressing, or to taste

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Instructions

1
In a large salad bowl, add the cooked and rinsed pasta.
2
Add the sliced green onion and sliced red onion to the bowl.
3
Add the cooked and chunked bacon.
4
Add the thinly sliced Gala apple.
5
Add the cubed gouda cheese.
6
Add the cooked and shredded chicken breast.
7
Top with a couple of handfuls of baby spinach.
8
Pour the creamy garlic salad dressing over the ingredients.
9
Toss everything together until well combined and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook pasta 1 minute under al dente, as it will soften slightly when tossed with dressing.
Slice apples just before assembly and toss lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Use thick-cut bacon cooked until very crispy so it won't soften in the creamy dressing.
Taste and adjust dressing before serving—you may need less than the full 1/2 cup depending on pasta absorption.

Substitutions

Gouda cheese → Gruyère or sharp cheddar (similar melting quality and mild smoke flavor)
Gala apple → Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith (adjust sweetness preference accordingly)
Baby spinach → arugula or mixed greens (lighter, peppery alternative)
Creamy garlic dressing → ranch with minced garlic (or homemade mayo-based dressing for more control)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. If dressing has been absorbed, add a splash of extra dressing or olive oil before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble without dressing up to 4 hours ahead, then toss with garlic dressing just before serving to keep pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

What type of apple works best?

Gala apples offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples also work well depending on your preference.

Can I use a different cheese instead of gouda?

Yes. Gruyère, Emmental, or even sharp cheddar provide similar creaminess and mild smokiness that pairs well with apple and bacon.

How should I cook the chicken breast?

Poach, grill, or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking methods don't affect the final result—shred while still warm for easier handling.