I’ve always been a sucker for a classic club sandwich—those layers of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato stacked between toasted bread. So when I decided to transform that beloved combo into a pasta salad, I practically did a happy dance in my kitchen. This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes everything you love about the original handheld delight and twirls it into rotini (or penne) coated in a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s like getting all the best parts of lunch in one colorful, spoonable bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total kitchen newbie, the Beginner difficulty level makes this an approachable recipe you can whip up in no time—perfect for lunch or dinner, family picnics, or potluck gatherings.
As someone who’s always chasing that perfect make-ahead dish, I can’t get enough of how this salad tastes even better after it chills for a bit. With only 15 minutes of active prep, 15 minutes of cooking, and a 30-minute rest time in the fridge, you’ve got a no-fuss meal that clocks in at around 420 calories per serving. I love tossing everything together the night before and waking up to a vibrant, ready-to-serve lunch that holds its texture beautifully. Crunchy cucumber, sweet grape tomatoes, sharp cheddar, and that hit of green onion sparkle through every bite. Trust me, once you give this a try, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CLUB SANDWICH PASTA SALAD
Before diving into the fun of mixing and tossing, let’s talk about the stars of this show. Each ingredient brings its own personality, texture, and flavor to the bowl, so you’ll know exactly why every item matters in creating that creamy, crunchy experience.
- Rotini or Penne Pasta
The sturdy spiral or tube shape holds onto the dressing in every twist and crevice, ensuring each forkful is richly coated and bursting with flavor.
- Cooked Chicken Breast
Diced chicken adds a hearty protein boost and a neutral canvas for soaking up the zesty dressing, making every bite satisfying and substantial.
- Bacon
Crisp, crumbled bacon delivers that irresistible smoky crunch—an essential nod to the original club sandwich that instantly elevates the salad.
- Grape Tomatoes
Halved and juicy, these bite-sized gems offer pops of sweetness and a refreshing burst that brightens the entire dish.
- Cucumber
The cool, crisp texture of cucumber balances the richness of mayo and cheese, adding a refreshing contrast in each spoonful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar weaves a creamy, tangy element throughout the salad, bridging savory bacon and tender chicken.
- Green Onions
Thinly sliced for a mild, oniony zing, green onions add layered flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise
The creamy backbone of the dressing, mayo lends richness and helps emulsify all the tangy components into one smooth coating.
- Sour Cream
Adds a velvety tang that lightens the mayonnaise and gives the dressing a luscious texture.
- Dijon Mustard
A small punch of heat and acidity, Dijon brightens the dressing and complements the red wine vinegar.
- Red Wine Vinegar
Provides sharp acidity that cuts through the creaminess, tying together all the flavors with a zesty kick.
- Olive Oil
A drizzle of fruity oil helps loosen the dressing, giving it a silky mouthfeel and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance and balance every ingredient, ensuring your salad isn’t bland or one-note.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped parsley adds color, a gentle herbal brightness, and a final flourish that makes this dish feel special.
HOW TO MAKE CLUB SANDWICH PASTA SALAD
Bringing this salad together is as fun as it is rewarding. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll find that assembly is a breeze—and the payoff is a bowl of pasta salad that feels indulgent yet light.
1. Cook the Pasta
Follow the package instructions to bring salted water to a boil, then add your rotini or penne. Cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes, then drain in a colander. Immediately rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta for salad.
2. Combine the Mix-Ins
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Gently toss to distribute everything evenly before dressing.
3. Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Aim for a smooth, emulsified dressing that’s creamy yet pourable.
4. Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta and veggie is coated in that tangy, creamy goodness.
5. Chill and Meld
Cover the bowl (or transfer to an airtight container) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors marry and the textures soften just enough without losing their crunch.
6. Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped parsley. Give everything one final toss to distribute the garnish and serve cold for the best taste and texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CLUB SANDWICH PASTA SALAD
When it comes to plating and pairing, this pasta salad’s versatility truly shines. Whether you’re setting out bowls at a casual family dinner or assembling a spread for your next potluck, these serving ideas will make your dish a showstopper:
- Family-Style Bowl on the Table
Scoop the salad into a large, shallow serving bowl and place it in the center of your table. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to invite everyone to dig in and customize their portions.
- Individual Mason Jar Servings
Layer the salad in wide-mouth mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or personalized picnic portions. Seal the jars and chill until ready—simply shake to redistribute the dressing and enjoy straight from the jar.
- Garnished Platter with Fresh Herbs
Spread the pasta salad on a long, rectangular platter and top with extra tomato halves, ribbons of fresh basil, or a few sprigs of dill. The colorful presentation makes the dish feel extra-special at brunches or showers.
- Accompaniment to Grilled Proteins
Serve generous scoops alongside grilled chicken breasts, shrimp skewers, or veggie burgers. The creamy crunch of the salad contrasts beautifully with smoky, charred proteins for a well-rounded meal.
HOW TO STORE CLUB SANDWICH PASTA SALAD
Keeping this salad fresh and delicious for up to two days is simple when you follow a few best practices. Proper storage ensures each serving tastes just as vibrant as the first scoop.
- Airtight Container in the Fridge
Transfer leftovers to a sealed, food-grade container and store in the refrigerator. This prevents the salad from drying out and keeps unwanted odors at bay.
- Separate Dressing (Optional)
If you know you won’t eat the entire batch at once, reserve the dressing in a pint-sized jar. Toss with the pasta mixture just before serving to avoid any sogginess.
- Label and Date
Write the date on the container with a dry-erase marker or masking tape. This helps you track freshness and ensures you enjoy the salad within its optimal two-day window.
- Stir Before Serving
After storage, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that’s settled at the bottom. This revives the creamy coating and re-mixes the flavors beautifully.
CONCLUSION
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is one of those rare gems that makes everyone at the table smile. From its crunchy bacon bits to the creamy, tangy dressing, each forkful delivers familiar club-sandwich flavors in a fun, spoonable form. You get the best of both worlds—a hearty, protein-packed meal and a vibrant, veggie-filled side—wrapped up in one versatile dish that’s perfect for Lunch or Dinner. With only 15 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of cooking, and a quick 30-minute chill, this beginner-friendly recipe slots seamlessly into busy schedules and casual entertaining alike. Feel free to print this article or save it to your favorite recipe binder for easy reference next time you need a crowd-pleaser.
Baking in resting, chilling, and careful tossing really makes the flavors sing, and I can’t stress enough how practical it is to prepare this ahead of time. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to answer any lingering questions, but if you’ve got comments, personal tweaks, or need help mastering a specific step, please let me know. Your feedback fuels my kitchen experiments, and I’d love to hear your stories—did you swap in bell peppers for extra crunch or top it with avocado slices for creaminess? Any time you try this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, drop a note so we can celebrate your delicious success together!
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Description
This pasta salad layers tender rotini with juicy chicken, crisp bacon, and garden-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. A colorful, make-ahead crowd-pleaser perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
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In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.
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Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
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Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Note
- This salad is perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like avocado or chopped bell peppers for added variety.
- Serve this salad as a main dish or as a hearty side at barbecues or potlucks.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference, and feel free to add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs.
