Delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite

When it comes to easy-to-make, delicious dishes, the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad has to be one of the best. It combines all the ingredients you love from a classic club sandwich, like savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, into a fresh and satisfying pasta salad. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will leave everyone asking for more. If you enjoy the flavors of a traditional club sandwich but want a refreshing twist, this is the recipe for you.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad recipe step-by-step, share tips for making it even more flavorful, and answer some common questions about how to customize and store your salad.

Why is Club Sandwich Pasta Salad So Popular?

The classic club sandwich is a beloved dish, combining layers of chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing. The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes all of these familiar ingredients and tosses them with pasta, turning it into a hearty and satisfying meal. Here are just a few reasons why this dish is so popular:

1. Quick and Easy: It’s a simple dish to make, taking just a few minutes to prepare.
2. Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
3. Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
4. Flavor-Packed: The creamy dressing, savory bacon, and tender chicken create a harmonious blend of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

This recipe uses ingredients you’re probably familiar with, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeks. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like, but rotini and penne work especially well for holding the creamy dressing.
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast (diced): Grilled or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. You can also use leftover chicken to make this salad even easier.
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Bacon brings a crispy, savory crunch to the salad. It’s a must for that club sandwich flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): These add a pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the dressing and bacon.
• 1 cup romaine lettuce (chopped): Lettuce adds crunch and freshness, mimicking the texture of a traditional club sandwich.
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded): The cheddar cheese gives the salad a rich, creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced): Red onions add a slight sweetness and bite to the salad, making it more flavorful.
• ½ cup cucumber (diced): Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance the other rich ingredients.
• ½ cup avocado (diced, optional): If you like avocado, this is a great addition to make the salad even more creamy and satisfying.

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of the dressing and gives it that creamy, tangy flavor.
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: This adds a bit of tanginess and creaminess to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayo.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard gives the dressing a mild, tangy kick that enhances the flavor.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens up the dressing, cutting through the creaminess.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory flavor that’s perfect in this creamy dressing.
• ½ tsp salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the dressing and brings all the ingredients together.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a bit of spice and complements the other flavors in the dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and allows the salad to stay fresh longer.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice or Dijon mustard.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, and avocado (if using). Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, pour the prepared dressing over the top.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. For best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. If you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately, but chilling it adds a nice depth of flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Use fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and freshly cooked chicken for the best results.
• Make it a Meal: This salad can easily serve as a complete meal on its own, especially with the addition of chicken and bacon.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, olives, or even corn for a twist on this classic salad.
• Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add more mayonnaise. If you like it tangier, add extra lemon juice or Greek yogurt.

Why You Should Try Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a new dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is an excellent choice. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or preparing lunch for the week, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables makes this salad a well-rounded, flavorful meal.

FAQs about Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can substitute rotini or penne with other types of pasta like fusilli, bowtie, or farfalle. Just make sure the pasta is large enough to hold the dressing and ingredients.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for picnics or potlucks.

3. Can I add other proteins? Yes, you can add other proteins like turkey, ham, or even hard-boiled eggs. Customize it based on your preferences!

4. How can I make this salad vegetarian? To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and chicken. You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for added protein.

5. Can I freeze Club Sandwich Pasta Salad? We don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and the vegetables may become soggy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Pasta Lovers

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or preparing a week’s worth of lunches, this dish is sure to be a hit. The creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering salad that everyone will love.

If you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time to give this delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad a go. It’s an easy, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

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