Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brings the beloved elements of a classic club sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy chicken, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy dressing—into a satisfying and portable pasta salad form. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of flavor: Packed with savory bacon, tender chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser at any cookout, potluck, or picnic.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite sandwich toppings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz rotini or your favorite short pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup cooked ham or turkey, diced
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
2. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with chicken, ham, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and lettuce.
4. Add dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add boiled eggs, avocado, or chickpeas.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Lighter version: Use light mayo and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Different proteins: Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Not recommended. This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• Freshen it up: Add a little extra dressing or lemon juice before serving if it looks dry after chilling.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal to prepare it in advance to allow the flavors to blend. Just wait to add the lettuce until just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It saves time and adds flavor.

Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and makes great packed lunches.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like rotini, bowties, or penne hold the dressing well.

Can I freeze Club Sandwich Pasta Salad?

No, it’s not recommended as the texture of the lettuce and dressing may suffer after thawing.

How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?

Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I add boiled eggs?

Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great addition.

How long can it sit out at a picnic?

No more than 2 hours, especially in warm weather.

What other cheeses can I use?

Colby jack, mozzarella, or Swiss work well in place of cheddar.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, ranch or a creamy garlic dressing can be used in place of homemade dressing.

Conclusion

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that turns a classic sandwich into a hearty, easy-to-serve meal. With its balanced mix of protein, veggies, pasta, and creamy dressing, it’s perfect for everything from family dinners to summer picnics. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the bowl.

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