Club Sandwich Pasta Salad – A Fresh & Flavorful Twist on a Classic

If you love the classic flavors of a club sandwich, why not enjoy them in a refreshing, easy-to-make pasta salad? This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy turkey bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing to create a dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick lunch.

With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, this hearty yet refreshing pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. It’s packed with protein, crunch, and cheesy goodness, all tossed in a rich, flavorful dressing that ties everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
✔ Packed with Flavor & Texture – A delicious mix of savory, creamy, and crunchy ingredients.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for summer cookouts, picnics, or an easy weeknight meal.

Let’s dive in and whip up this irresistible Club Sandwich Pasta Salad!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

This recipe is made with simple, fresh ingredients, bringing together all the best parts of a club sandwich in pasta form.

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne works best) – The base of the salad, perfect for holding onto the dressing.
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced – Adds a lean protein boost.
• 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled – Brings crispy, smoky flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds freshness and a juicy pop.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce – For a light, crisp texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Brings rich, cheesy goodness.
• ½ cup diced red onion – Adds a mild crunch and a bit of zing.

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dressing.
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Brings a subtle, zesty kick.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and a savory touch.
• ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Before assembling the salad, we need to cook and cool the pasta properly.

1. Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).

2. Drain & Cool the Pasta

• Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
• Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

✅ Pro Tip: Toss the pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together!

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

Now, let’s bring together all the delicious club sandwich-inspired ingredients!

1. Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add:
✔ Cooked & cooled pasta
✔ Diced chicken breast
✔ Crispy crumbled turkey bacon
✔ Halved cherry tomatoes
✔ Shredded lettuce
✔ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔ Diced red onion

2. Toss Everything Together

• Gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

Now that we have our perfectly cooked pasta and fresh ingredients mixed together, it’s time to make the creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together! This dressing is rich, flavorful, and has just the right balance of creaminess and zest—just like a club sandwich spread.

1. Whisk the Dressing Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the following:
✔ ½ cup mayonnaise – Creates the smooth and creamy base.
✔ ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds a tangy, slightly lighter texture.
✔ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a little zip and depth.
✔ 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes.
✔ ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Essential seasonings.
✔ ¼ teaspoon paprika – Gives a slight smoky hint.

✅ Pro Tip: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Salad

1. Pour the Dressing Over the Pasta Mixture

• Drizzle the creamy dressing over the pasta, chicken, bacon, and veggies.

2. Toss Everything Together

• Use a large spoon or tongs to gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Make sure every bite is packed with flavor, crunch, and creaminess!

3. Chill for Maximum Flavor

• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad even tastier!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once chilled, give the salad a quick toss and add the final touches:
✔ Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, herbaceous finish.
✔ If needed, adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper.
✔ Serve chilled and enjoy!

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is now loaded with creamy, smoky, cheesy goodness—a dish that’s perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or a quick lunch.

Part 3: Pro Tips, FAQs, and Final Thoughts

Your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is now chilled, creamy, and packed with flavor—the perfect balance of savory chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy veggies, and cheesy goodness. But before you serve it up (or pack it for later), let’s go over some pro tips, frequently asked questions, and easy ways to customize this dish to make it even better!

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

• Cook the pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite) so it holds up well in the dressing.
• Overcooked pasta can become mushy after absorbing the dressing.

2. Rinse the Pasta Under Cold Water

• This stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking together.
• It also helps keep the salad light and fresh rather than warm and starchy.

3. Let It Chill for Maximum Flavor

• This pasta salad tastes even better after 30 minutes in the fridge because the flavors have time to blend.
• If making ahead, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

4. Add the Lettuce Just Before Serving

• If making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the shredded lettuce until right before serving.
• This keeps it fresh and crisp instead of soggy.

5. Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients

Want to mix things up? Try these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ham, turkey, or rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken.
• Make it heartier: Add hard-boiled eggs or avocado slices.
• Add a crunch: Toss in croutons or sunflower seeds for extra texture.

FAQ: Answering Your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Questions

1. How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish for meal prep or parties. Just wait to add the lettuce until serving to keep it from getting soggy.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. If the dressing thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or lemon juice before serving.

4. Can I make this a low-carb or keto-friendly dish?

Absolutely! Swap out the pasta for cauliflower florets, shredded cabbage, or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.

5. What’s the best pasta to use for this salad?

Pasta with lots of ridges or curves works best to hold onto the creamy dressing. Rotini, bowtie (farfalle), or penne are great choices.

6. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Of course! If you prefer crispy pork bacon, feel free to use it instead of turkey bacon for a more classic club sandwich taste.

Final Thoughts: Try This Easy & Flavorful Pasta Salad Today!

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, making it a go-to dish for picnics, BBQs, or meal prep. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Now it’s your turn! Did you try this recipe? Maybe you added a fun twist with avocado or a different dressing? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!

And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick and delicious pasta salad ideas—because homemade meals should always be this easy and flavorful!

Happy cooking! 😊

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