Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

The classic club sandwich gets a delicious pasta makeover in this refreshing and hearty salad. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sharp cheddar tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a one-bowl wonder.

A creamy, tangy dressing of mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and vinegar ties everything together, delivering that signature club flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, packing it for lunch, or making it ahead for a busy week, this salad is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

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

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

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

3. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until well coated.

4. Just before serving, fold in the toasted bread cubes or croutons for added crunch.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: A Classic Twist on Two Favorites

Combining the comfort of a creamy pasta salad with the bold, satisfying flavors of a classic club sandwich, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion dish. It’s not only easy to prepare but also brings together the best parts of both dishes into a hearty and refreshing salad that’s ideal for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or even light dinners. With layers of texture from the crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, shredded lettuce, tender pasta, and chunks of ham or turkey, every bite delivers a well-balanced medley of flavors.

A Culinary Mashup That Works

The club sandwich is a time-honored favorite, featuring layers of deli meats, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise stacked between toasted bread. On the other hand, pasta salad is a beloved staple at cookouts and gatherings creamy, cool, and endlessly versatile. When these two comfort classics are combined, they create something unexpectedly delicious. The saltiness of bacon, the savory meatiness of deli meats, the freshness of vegetables, and the creaminess of a mayo-based dressing, all folded into perfectly cooked pasta it’s a symphony of taste and texture.

What makes this pasta salad stand out is how each component retains its personality while enhancing the others. The bacon remains crisp, the lettuce offers a gentle crunch, and the tomatoes add juiciness and acidity. The pasta, acting as a neutral base, binds everything together. Meanwhile, the creamy, tangy dressing acts like the mayonnaise in a club sandwich, elevating the overall richness.

The Ideal Picnic or Party Salad

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad isn’t just tasty; it’s incredibly convenient. It can be made ahead of time, travels well, and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing weekday meal prep, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s filling enough to stand alone as a meal, especially when loaded with protein from meats and eggs, but also works wonderfully as a side dish.

It’s the kind of salad that appeals to a broad range of palates. Even picky eaters who might normally avoid traditional pasta salads (or even club sandwiches) find themselves coming back for seconds thanks to the comforting familiarity of the ingredients and the balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. It’s a blank canvas for customization. Prefer turkey over ham? Go for it. Want to swap in rotini or penne instead of elbow macaroni? Absolutely. Like a sharper flavor profile? Try adding red onions, sharp cheddar, or even a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing. This is a recipe designed to accommodate your preferences while still delivering a cohesive, satisfying result.

Another reason this pasta salad earns top marks is its meal-prep potential. It holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches. It’s hearty enough to keep you full for hours, yet fresh enough to avoid the heavy feeling some pasta salads can leave behind.

A Perfect Balance of Nutrition and Indulgence

While this salad leans into indulgent ingredients like bacon and creamy dressing, it also offers balance with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and protein-rich meat and eggs. The pasta provides a comforting base and sustained energy, while the added vegetables keep the dish from feeling overly heavy. You can always lighten things up by using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise, or increasing the vegetable ratio.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables, diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots make great additions. The point is to keep the spirit of the club sandwich while making it more bowl-friendly and potentially healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Success

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad turns out perfect every time:

• Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better and won’t get mushy as the salad sits.
• Cool the pasta: Rinse it under cold water after boiling to stop the cooking and keep the salad chilled.
• Use crispy bacon: To prevent sogginess, cook your bacon until it’s extra crisp, and add it just before serving if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
• Shred lettuce just before serving: Lettuce can wilt quickly. For best results, toss it in at the last minute.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: As the pasta absorbs dressing, the flavors can mellow. Taste before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Serve it as a main course on its own with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or offer it as a side dish at a barbecue alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.

It also works beautifully as a lunchbox option. Pair it with a cup of fruit or a side of pickles and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal. Want to turn it into a heartier dinner? Add more protein like grilled chicken breast or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

If you’re hosting a party or picnic, this salad can easily feed a crowd. Double the recipe and serve it in a large platter or trifle bowl so the colorful layers are visible this makes for a stunning presentation.

Variations to Try

While the traditional ingredients make this salad sing, it’s fun to experiment with new additions or variations. Here are some delicious spins on the original:

• Avocado Club Pasta Salad: Add chunks of creamy avocado for a West Coast twist.
• Buffalo Club Pasta Salad: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy version.
• Italian Club Pasta Salad: Swap in salami, mozzarella, and Italian dressing for a deli-style variation.
• Low-Carb Club Salad: Skip the pasta and use cauliflower florets or shredded cabbage instead.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with chickpeas or grilled tofu and amp up the veggies.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Hybrid Salad

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is more than just a trendy mashup it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that takes the best of two beloved comfort foods and combines them into one unforgettable bowl. With its balanced flavors, customizable ingredients, and ease of preparation, this salad earns a permanent spot in any cook’s repertoire. It’s approachable, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want something satisfying and simple.

So next time you’re craving a club sandwich but want something chilled and fork-friendly, give this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad a try. It’s comfort food with a twist and you’ll be surprised how often you come back to it.