If you love a classic club sandwich, why not enjoy it in pasta salad form? This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines all your favorite sandwich ingredients—crispy bacon, juicy turkey or chicken, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese—with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a hearty lunch, this pasta salad is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious way to bring those beloved sandwich flavors to the table in a fresh, fun way.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini, penne, or elbow pasta (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup cooked turkey or chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it completely. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced turkey or chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, cubed cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and red onion. If using avocado, add it at this stage.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold and garnish with additional bacon, cheese, or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Cool Pasta Completely: Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, toss in croutons just before serving or serve them on the side.
- Keep Lettuce Crisp: Add the lettuce right before serving to ensure it stays fresh and crunchy.
- Dressing Adjustments: If the pasta absorbs too much of the dressing, stir in a tablespoon of milk or a bit more mayonnaise to freshen it up.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If using avocado, it’s best to add it fresh before serving to prevent browning.
- Rehydrating Leftovers: Stir in a little extra dressing or mayonnaise if the salad seems dry after being stored.
- Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the lettuce and creamy dressing.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and turkey/chicken, and add chickpeas, black beans, or diced hard-boiled eggs for protein.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
- Southwest Twist: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the dressing for a bold flavor upgrade.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for some heat.
- Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier and lighter dressing.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta, like fusilli, penne, or farfalle, works perfectly for this recipe. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used if preferred.
2. Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
3. Can I make this pasta salad the day before?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld together. Just add the lettuce and avocado right before serving for the freshest texture.
4. How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the diced avocado in a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent it from browning.
5. What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
For crispy bacon, bake it on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let it cool and crumble it into the salad.
