Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to potluck star: Club Sandwich Pasta Salad. Imagine all the best parts of a classic club sandwich—smoky bacon, juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, zesty tomatoes, and creamy dressing—transformed into a fresh, vibrant pasta salad that’s impossible to resist. It’s perfect for backyard gatherings, weekday lunches, or anytime you fancy something both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead, this colorful and packed-with-flavor dish has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Club Sandwich Pasta Salad so unforgettable is how every ingredient brings something special to the table. From the salty crunch of bacon to the creamy tang of the dressing, you’ll find the lineup approachable and reliable, with each component playing its role in flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal.
- Pasta: Rotini or penne provide the perfect bite-sized shape that holds the creamy dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
- Cooked chicken breast: Offers protein and a satisfying, tender texture—grab a rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Bacon: Gives unbeatable savory crunch and smokiness; cook until crisp for best results.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy burst and mild sweetness brighten each forkful.
- Romaine lettuce: Adds signature club sandwich crunch and a fresh, leafy green accent.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and rich, cheddar brings the salad together with a classic comfort-food note.
- Ham or turkey: Cubed deli meat brings that classic club vibe and another layer of savory goodness.
- Red onion: Finely diced, it adds zing and a pop of color. Soak briefly in cold water for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the signature club sandwich dressing.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness and helps lighten up the dressing’s texture; plain Greek yogurt also works.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a gentle, zesty kick that keeps things lively.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a hint of acidity that balances the creamy ingredients.
- Garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing everything into harmonious balance.
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens! Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak; everyone has their own ideal level of tanginess or creaminess. This luscious dressing is what will bind all the classic flavors of your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad together.
Step 2: Add the Pasta and Fixings
With your dressing ready, it’s time to build the salad. Add your cooled pasta right into the bowl with the dressing. Then toss in diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed ham or turkey, and finely diced red onion. The vibrant colors and textures are irresistible, and the easy prep means you’re halfway to deliciousness already.
Step 3: Toss Gently to Combine
Gently toss everything together with a big spoon or spatula, making sure every piece gets coated in that creamy, flavor-packed dressing. This step is key for maximum flavor—go slow and fold instead of stirring vigorously to keep the lettuce crisp and the pasta intact.
Step 4: Let It Chill
Transfer your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This brief rest allows all the flavors to meld for that irresistible, tangy-salty-sweet-creamy club sandwich experience. If you can wait longer, even better—the flavors get more vibrant as they hang out together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give your salad a gentle toss and check for seasoning. Sometimes the pasta absorbs a bit of dressing as it sits, so you might need to add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to refresh everything. Pile onto plates for a satisfying meal or spoon into a serving bowl and watch it disappear at your next picnic.
How to Serve Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can turn your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad from tasty to show-stopper. Try scattering extra crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar on top just before serving, or a little chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green. If you love the crunch, an extra handful of chopped lettuce or even croutons brings more bite and keeps things delightfully fresh.
Side Dishes
This salad is substantial enough to fly solo but makes a wonderful partner for lighter sides. Fresh fruit skewers, crisp pickles, or a bright citrusy slaw complement the creamy, hearty flavors. For a backyard bash, serve alongside grilled corn or a platter of summer vegetables for effortless balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad into a party centerpiece! Spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun twist, portion into mason jars for perfect picnic servings, or present it on a platter ringed with extra toppings so everyone can build their own. It’s a dish designed to impress, whether it’s dressed up for a shower or part of a laid-back family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Club Sandwich Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify, and the salad stays delicious and satisfying—just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the mix.
Freezing
Pasta salads like this one aren’t ideal for freezing, since the mayo-based dressing can separate and the lettuce tends to wilt. For best texture and taste, enjoy Club Sandwich Pasta Salad fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold, straight from the fridge. No reheating required! If you find it a little too chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take the edge off.
FAQs
Can I make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it several hours or even a day in advance. Simply keep the salad and any garnishes separate, then toss in fresh lettuce and add extra toppings right before serving for the very best texture and color.
What pasta shapes work best?
Rotini and penne are favorites for a reason—their nooks and curves hold onto the creamy dressing and all the good bits. Bowtie or shells are great substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I lighten up the dressing?
For a lighter twist, feel free to use light mayonnaise, swap Greek yogurt for sour cream, and even trim back the amount of cheese or bacon if you like. The flavors will still shine through, and you’ll enjoy a fresher, lighter side or meal.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Skip the chicken, bacon, and ham or turkey, and try adding diced avocado, chickpeas, or extra cheese for protein and heartiness. The creamy club sandwich flavors still come through beautifully.
Does Club Sandwich Pasta Salad travel well?
It sure does! This salad is fantastic for picnics, potlucks, and road trips. Just keep it chilled in a cooler, and add the final lettuce and crunchy garnishes right before serving for the freshest experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a festive get-together or just want to shake up your lunch routine, Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a surefire hit that delivers big on taste, nostalgia, and color. Give it a try—you genuinely might find it becomes a new favorite that has everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salad, combining the flavors of a classic club sandwich in a convenient, chilled dish. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cubed ham or turkey
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add ingredients: Add pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, ham or turkey, and red onion to the bowl.
- Toss gently: Mix everything until coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with extra lettuce or bacon before serving cold.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and is perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
