Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, combining all your favorite ingredients into a hearty, easy-to-make salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy bread cubes.

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. Set the dressing aside.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, fold in the toasted bread cubes or croutons to add a satisfying crunch.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a slice of avocado or swapping cheddar for Swiss cheese.
• If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead but add the toasted bread cubes just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the toasted bread cubes or croutons separate and add them just before serving. Reheat is generally not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding extras like grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or extra cheese for protein.

How long can I store the dressing separately?

The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in a sealed container. Stir well before using.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fresh and hearty twist on the classic club sandwich, combining cooked pasta with chicken, bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic dish, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, from the crisp lettuce and bacon to the creamy dressing and crunchy toasted bread cubes.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (for cooking chicken and bacon, if not pre-cooked)
• Total Time: 35 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

• 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 aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cubed chicken breast, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and other ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Incorporate Toasted Bread: Just before serving, fold in the cubed toasted bread or croutons. This step keeps the bread cubes crunchy and prevents them from getting soggy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use rotini or penne pasta as they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with other ingredients.
• For best texture, add toasted bread cubes or croutons right before serving to keep them crispy.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing option.
• Chicken breast and bacon can be cooked ahead to save time during assembly.
• This salad is best served within a few hours of preparation to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Club sandwich pasta salad, pasta salad with chicken and bacon, creamy pasta salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad recipe