Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brings together all the classic flavors of a club sandwich in a fresh, easy-to-make pasta salad. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, combining hearty ingredients with a creamy dressing and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cubed toasted bread (or croutons)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, fold in the cubed toasted bread or croutons to add a crunchy texture.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
• Swap cheddar cheese for Swiss or provolone for a different twist.
• For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.
• Toast your bread cubes lightly with garlic powder for enhanced flavor.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the toasted bread cubes crunchy, add them just before serving. If stored with the bread, they may become soggy. Reheat is not recommended; this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Keep the toasted bread cubes separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

Rotini or penne work best because their shapes hold the dressing well and capture the other ingredients for each bite.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic club sandwich, combining cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for a picnic, potluck, or a quick meal, it offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors with crunchy toasted bread cubes and a zesty dressing.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming pasta, chicken, and bacon are pre-cooked)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cubed toasted bread (or croutons)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set this dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cubed cooked chicken breast, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently mix these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
3. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the salad until all components are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Incorporate Crunch: Just before serving, fold in the toasted bread cubes or croutons to maintain their crunchiness. This adds a delightful texture contrast to the salad.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta salad with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Use rotini or penne pasta for better dressing adherence and texture.
• To save time, use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Toast bread cubes until golden brown for extra crunch.
• The salad can be made a few hours ahead but add the bread cubes just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Adjust seasoning as needed after tossing with dressing.
• This salad pairs well with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing meal.

Keywords: club sandwich pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, creamy pasta salad