If you love a good club sandwich, then get ready to fall head over heels for this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! It has all the best parts of the beloved sandwich—crispy turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, shredded lettuce, tender chicken, and cheddar cheese—tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the ultimate mash-up of flavors, and trust me, it’s so good you’ll want to make it again and again.

This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, or just a fun way to switch up your lunch routine. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it a meal on its own, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

Now, let’s dive into how to make this incredibly flavorful and satisfying pasta salad!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

The key to a great pasta salad is starting with perfectly cooked pasta. You want it to be just tender (a.k.a. al dente) so it holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy once you mix it with the other ingredients. Here’s how to do it:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add 12 ounces of sturdy pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne. These shapes are great because they hold onto all that creamy dressing and mix-ins.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Pro Tip: Rinsing the pasta under cold water also helps remove excess starch, which prevents it from sticking together in the salad.

Once your pasta is cooled and drained, set it aside while we whip up the creamy dressing!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

This dressing is what ties everything together—it’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right balance of flavors to complement the salad ingredients. Plus, it takes only a minute or two to whisk together!

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:

½ cup mayonnaise (this gives it that classic creaminess)
¼ cup sour cream (adds a little tang and richness)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for a subtle kick of flavor)
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything is better with garlic)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Whisk everything together until smooth. Give it a quick taste—does it need a little more salt? A bit more tang? Adjust as needed. Then, pop the dressing in the fridge while we move on to assembling the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the fun part—bringing all the classic club sandwich flavors together in one big, delicious bowl. If you’ve ever had a club sandwich, you know that it’s all about the layers—crispy turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, and rich cheddar cheese. This pasta salad takes all those flavors and gives them a creamy, pasta-filled twist that’s just as satisfying!

Here’s what you’ll need to add to your cooled pasta:

1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced – You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and dice your own.
1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled – Because no club sandwich (or pasta salad) is complete without crispy, smoky turkey bacon.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These add a burst of sweetness and freshness.
1 cup shredded lettuce – Brings in that signature crunch from a traditional club sandwich.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a creamy, savory richness.
½ cup diced red onion – Gives a little bit of sharpness to balance everything out.

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, give them a gentle toss to mix everything together. You want to distribute the ingredients evenly so that every bite has a little bit of everything.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this pasta salad in advance, wait to add the lettuce until right before serving. This keeps it from getting too soft or wilted in the fridge.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Now that your pasta and toppings are mixed, it’s time to bring in that creamy, tangy dressing you made earlier!

Pour the chilled dressing over the salad.
Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together, making sure all the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.

At this point, your salad will be looking (and smelling) absolutely delicious, but resist the urge to dig in right away—letting it chill in the fridge for a little while makes a big difference!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and blend all the flavors together beautifully.

When you’re ready to serve, give it one final toss and enjoy!

Optional Add-Ins: Want to customize your pasta salad? Here are some delicious extras you can mix in:

Diced avocado – Adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
Hard-boiled eggs, chopped – Brings extra protein and richness.
Pickles, diced – For a tangy crunch that complements the creamy dressing.
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes everything taste even fresher.

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is perfect as a main dish, a side for summer BBQs, or even meal prep for the week. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Club Sandwich Pasta Salad and a few tips to help you get the best results!

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors have more time to blend together. Just be sure to wait until serving to add the shredded lettuce to keep it from getting soggy.

2. What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Stick with sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, bowtie (farfalle), or penne. These shapes hold up well and allow the dressing to coat everything evenly. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or spaghetti, as they won’t work as well in a cold salad.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, simply mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up before serving.

4. Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! While the homemade dressing in this recipe is creamy and flavorful, you can swap it out for ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or even a honey mustard dressing if you want a different twist.

5. Can I make this pasta salad without mayonnaise?

Yes! If you want a lighter version, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or use a combination of yogurt and a little olive oil. This will still give you a creamy texture while reducing the fat content.

6. What protein can I use instead of chicken?

This recipe works great with turkey or even canned tuna if you want to switch things up. You can also leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.

7. What should I serve with this pasta salad?

This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with grilled meats, fresh fruit, or a side of crusty bread. It’s a fantastic addition to any summer cookout or picnic!

Final Thoughts

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fun and delicious twist on a classic sandwich, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with all the best club sandwich ingredients—but with the added comfort of pasta.

Now, grab a fork and dig in—because this salad is too good to wait!

CLUB SANDWICH PASTA SALAD

Author: Mark's Recipe
Total Time: 55 mins

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious twist on the classic club sandwich, transformed into a flavorful and hearty pasta salad! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing meal any time of the year. This dish is creamy, tangy, and packed with all the familiar flavors of a club sandwich in every bite!

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate while you assemble the salad.

3️⃣ Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and red onion.

Gently toss to mix.

4️⃣ Add the Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep!
Customize It: Swap out the protein (turkey or even tofu) to fit your preference.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle.
Avoid Soggy Lettuce: If making ahead, mix in the lettuce right before serving for the best texture.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins

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