Zesty Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Whipping up a delightful club sandwich pasta salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your plate.

Fresh ingredients mingle like old friends at a summer picnic.

Crispy bacon bits and tender chicken chunks promise a hearty meal packed with classic sandwich vibes.

Creamy dressing weaves through perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

Layers of lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese add crunch and brightness to every forkful.

Memories of deli-style sandwiches emerge with each delectable bite.

Dive into this playful recipe that reimagines a beloved lunch classic and transforms your dinner routine.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Blending Classic Tastes Delightfully

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This club sandwich pasta salad transforms classic sandwich flavors into a delightful, shareable dish perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Quickly assemble all ingredients, mix with a creamy dressing, and chill for a hassle-free meal that's ready when you are.
• Pack with Protein Power: Loaded with chicken and bacon, this salad delivers a satisfying protein punch that keeps hunger at bay and energizes your day.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.

Ingredients To Prepare Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A classic ingredient that forms the foundation of this club sandwich-inspired salad.

• Chicken, Bacon: Hearty proteins that bring the classic club sandwich flavors to this pasta salad.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Shredded Lettuce, Red Onion, Cheddar Cheese: Crisp vegetables and sharp cheese that add texture and zesty flavor to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Dijon Mustard, Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A creamy and tangy dressing that ties all the ingredients together with rich, balanced flavors.

Step-By-Step Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Preparation

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook according to the package guidelines until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Take a quick taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Pop the dressing in the refrigerator to keep it cool and let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich-Inspired Mixture

• Cooled pasta
• Cooked chicken
• Crispy bacon
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Diced red onion

Gently toss these ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Dress and Coat

Pour the chilled dressing over the pasta mixture.

Use a large spoon to carefully fold and coat every single ingredient with the creamy dressing. Make sure each piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

When ready, give it a final gentle stir and serve cold. Enjoy the ultimate club sandwich experience in a refreshing pasta salad form!

Clever Tips To Boost Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

• Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or shells that catch dressing easily.
• Crisp bacon thoroughly before chopping to add maximum crunch and flavor to the salad.
• Whisk dressing ingredients until completely smooth for a silky, well-blended texture.
• Let salad rest in refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to marinate and taste more intense.
• Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives right before serving to brighten overall taste.

Exciting Variations To Explore With Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

• Vegetarian Club Pasta Salad: Replace chicken and bacon with grilled tofu or tempeh cubes, adding extra plant-based protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Club Pasta Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free rotini or chickpea pasta, ensuring the same delicious flavor profile for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Club Pasta: Substitute mayonnaise dressing with Greek yogurt, add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean spin.
• Low-Carb Club Salad Remix: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, keeping all original ingredients to create a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced alternative.

Perfect Pairings To Accompany Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy dressing and complements the salty bacon with its bright, zesty profile.

Citrusy, bubbly drink balances the rich pasta salad and provides a light, palate-cleansing effect.

Pilsner or light lager’s crisp, clean taste enhances the sandwich-inspired flavors and helps cut through the mayonnaise-based dressing.

Unsweetened or slightly sweetened tea offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, protein-packed salad.

Proper Storage Methods For Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

• Transfer leftover pasta salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Avoid freezing this pasta salad as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Consume cold directly from the refrigerator for best flavor. If slightly chilled, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance taste.
• Stir the pasta salad before serving and add a small splash of fresh dressing to revive moisture and restore the original creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Is club sandwich pasta salad a main dish or side dish?

It’s versatile and can be served as both a hearty main course or a delicious side dish for barbecues and potlucks.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a day in advance, which actually helps the flavors blend and become more delicious.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowties work perfectly because they hold the dressing and ingredients well.

• Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken and bacon with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or additional vegetables to create a vegetarian version.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cool pasta meets classic sandwich vibes in this club sandwich pasta salad. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and zesty dressing, creating a perfect summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 1/2 cups chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup turkey bacon, crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• Pickles, diced
• Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

Dressing and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines for precise timing.
3. Immediately drain pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to halt cooking and cool down quickly.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, sharp Dijon mustard, zesty vinegar, aromatic garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
5. Taste the dressing and fine-tune seasoning as needed, then refrigerate to allow flavors to develop.
6. Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine the cooled pasta with diced chicken, crispy crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, finely shredded lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
7. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even distribution without breaking pasta or crushing delicate components.
8. Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad and carefully fold until every ingredient is evenly and deliciously coated.
9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
10. Remove from refrigerator, give a final gentle toss, and serve cold for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken with turkey for a leaner protein option that keeps the classic club sandwich flavor profile.
• Add crispy croutons just before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and textural contrast to the creamy pasta salad.
• Reduce mayonnaise and replace half with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that cuts down on calories without sacrificing taste.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain freshness, combining components just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce and keep textures vibrant.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg