Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of your favorite club sandwich into a delicious and hearty pasta dish.
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic club sandwich, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite
- Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings
- Easily customizable with your favorite deli meats and veggies
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes the beloved flavors of a classic club sandwich and transforms them into a hearty pasta dish. This unique recipe combines tender rotini pasta with the savory goodness of chicken and bacon, providing a satisfying experience that will please both pasta and sandwich lovers alike. The addition of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, making each bite a delightful mix of textures.
Not only does this dish capture the essence of a club sandwich, but it also makes for a versatile meal option. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or a satisfying dinner, this pasta salad fits the bill perfectly. It's easy to prepare and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a fantastic choice for warm-weather gatherings.
Customizable and Convenient
One of the best aspects of the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is its customization potential. You can easily swap out the chicken for turkey or ham, or even go vegetarian by adding your favorite plant-based proteins. The veggies can also be modified based on your preferences; try adding bell peppers, olives, or even avocado for an extra layer of flavor. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Meal prepping becomes a breeze with this pasta salad. You can prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in the refrigerator for quick lunches or easy dinners. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without the hassle of cooking every day.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a summer picnic, a family gathering, or a casual weekday meal, the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. Its vibrant colors and appealing presentation make it a hit at parties, while its satisfying ingredients ensure that everyone leaves the table happy. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, making it ideal for budget-conscious hosts.
As an added bonus, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Preparing it a few hours before serving will enhance the overall taste, making it even more delicious. Guests will be impressed with your culinary skills, and you’ll enjoy the ease of serving a dish that requires minimal last-minute preparation.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to get started!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheddar cheese.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad!
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, don't worry—storing them is easy! Place any remaining salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
When you're ready to eat the leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of mayonnaise or a drizzle of olive oil to revive its creaminess. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad with a light side dish or refreshing drink. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta salad beautifully. For a more filling option, serve it alongside some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any remaining dressing.
If you're hosting a gathering, this pasta salad can be part of a larger buffet spread. Consider offering a variety of sides and appetizers, such as vegetable platters, cheese boards, or fruit salads. This way, your guests will have plenty of options to mix and match, ensuring that everyone finds something they love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
You can add ingredients like bell peppers, red onions, or even avocado for extra flavor.
→ Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
→ Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of your favorite club sandwich into a delicious and hearty pasta dish.
Created by: Tessa Wright
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g