If you love the classic flavors of a club sandwich but are craving something a little lighter and more summery, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly captures all the delicious layers of a club sandwich—savory chicken, smoky bacon, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing—tossed together with colorful tri-color rotini pasta. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any time you want a refreshing meal that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component plays an important role in bringing a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe.
- 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing nicely and adds a playful pop of color.
- 8-ounce block of cheddar cheese, cubed: Adds creamy, sharp bites throughout the salad.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 cup cooked and chopped beef bacon: Offers smoky, savory notes and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced: The hearty protein that anchors this salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the richness.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, adding a cool texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sharpness and a touch of bite.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Brings a light crunch and freshness reminiscent of the classic sandwich.
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. This cooling step also makes the salad more refreshing.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing is the heart of the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe, tying all the ingredients together with just the right balance of tang and richness.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the cooked pasta, beef bacon, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded lettuce, and cubed cheddar cheese. Pour your freshly made dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly so every bite gets a bit of that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time lets the flavors meld beautifully and gives you a crisp, chilled salad that’s bursting with layered flavors just like biting into a classic club sandwich.
How to Serve Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can elevate your salad presentation and flavor even more. Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh herbal note. A few extra bacon bits or grated cheddar cheese can also add a nice touch for serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light and simple sides. Think crisp green salads, sliced seasonal fruit, or even some crunchy garlic bread to round out the meal without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for a picnic or party. It’s also fantastic scooped onto large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce as a hand-held treat—perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps really well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but keep in mind the lettuce will soften a bit, so eating it within a day or two is best for crisp freshness.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables don’t hold up well after thawing, often resulting in a watery texture. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This dish is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the beef bacon with regular bacon?
Absolutely! Traditional pork bacon will work just as well and adds a familiar smoky flavor. Just be sure to cook it until crispy to get that satisfying crunch in the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, you can omit the meats and swap the chicken and bacon for grilled vegetables or chickpeas for protein. Adding extra cheese or a hard-boiled egg can also boost the heartiness while keeping it meat-free.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it with the salad ingredients.
What type of mustard works best for the dressing?
Dijon mustard is ideal because it offers a smooth, balanced tang that complements the mayo without overpowering the other flavors. If you like more kick, you could experiment with whole grain mustard for added texture.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
For sure! While tri-color rotini is great for holding onto the dressing and adding color, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that combines comforting flavors with crisp textures in a delightfully easy-to-make way. Whether you’re packing lunch for a friend, bringing something special to a barbecue, or just treating yourself to a flavorful meal at home, this salad is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love like I did!
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Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combining tri-color rotini pasta with a medley of classic club sandwich ingredients like beef bacon, chicken, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy Dijon-mustard dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 8-ounce block of cheddar cheese, cubed
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling
- 1 cup cooked and chopped beef bacon
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped beef bacon, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, shredded lettuce, and cubed cheddar cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss everything together thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to serve chilled.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken and bacon for ease and better flavor; leftover roasted chicken works well.
- Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents it from becoming sticky in the salad.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add or swap vegetables, such as bell peppers or avocado, for extra texture and flavor.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated before serving.
