This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of a club sandwich into a refreshing and hearty pasta salad. The combination of creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and tender chicken makes this salad the ultimate comfort food.
The addition of fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers adds a burst of freshness, while the shredded cheddar cheese gives it an indulgent touch. This salad is a perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or a light meal to enjoy with family and friends.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 ounces rotini pasta
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, diced
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine evenly.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is Perfect for All Occasions
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a side salad or as the star of your meal. It’s great for serving at potlucks, barbecues, or casual family gatherings. The pasta acts as a hearty base that brings everything together, while the addition of crispy bacon and grilled chicken provides a satisfying, protein-packed element.
The club sandwich is a timeless favorite, and this pasta salad version takes the flavors of the sandwich but in a lighter, more refreshing form. The key ingredients – bacon, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a creamy mayo-based dressing – all work together to create a deliciously well-rounded dish.
This salad can also be made in large batches, making it ideal for serving to a crowd. The pasta holds up well when chilled, and the flavors meld together beautifully over time. So, if you’re preparing for a party, you can make it in advance, and it will be just as good when you’re ready to serve it.
A Healthier Take on a Classic
While the classic club sandwich can be rich and indulgent, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad offers a lighter alternative. By using a pasta base, you maintain the familiar comfort of a sandwich meal, but with less bread and more of the fresh, crisp vegetables that are so often overlooked. The inclusion of lean chicken breast and crispy bacon makes the dish hearty without being too heavy, and the addition of fresh cucumber and tomatoes adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
Another great feature of this recipe is its ability to be customized to suit different dietary preferences. You can easily swap out ingredients to make it gluten-free or use a lighter dressing if you’re trying to cut back on calories. Want to make it even healthier? Try using whole wheat pasta or adding in extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or avocados. The possibilities are endless, and you can make this dish as healthy (or indulgent) as you like.
How to Customize Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
One of the reasons this recipe is so loved is its versatility. While the classic version includes ingredients like chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and cucumbers, you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. For example, if you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for turkey or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
For those looking to reduce calories or add more fiber, swapping out traditional pasta for whole grain or gluten-free pasta is a great option. You can also use a lighter dressing, such as Greek yogurt-based dressing, to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor. Adding extra herbs like basil or dill can also boost the flavor profile and freshness of the salad.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, try incorporating a bit of apple cider vinegar or substituting lemon juice with balsamic vinegar. You can even experiment with adding a bit of honey or mustard for extra sweetness or tang. The possibilities are endless, and the recipe is easily adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Why This Pasta Salad is a Hit at Parties
If you’re looking for a recipe that will be a hit at your next party or gathering, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is an excellent choice. It combines familiar, comforting ingredients in a way that’s fresh and unexpected. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or picnic because it holds up well when chilled, and it doesn’t require much effort to prepare.
This pasta salad is also a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day before the event, and it will taste even better as the flavors have time to meld together. This is an excellent option for busy hosts who want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Moreover, it’s easy to scale this recipe depending on the size of the crowd you’re serving. Need to feed a large group? Simply double the recipe. Serving a smaller crowd? Half the recipe, and you’ll still have plenty of leftovers.
The Creamy Dressing: What Makes it Stand Out
The creamy dressing is what truly elevates this pasta salad. Made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice, the dressing provides just the right amount of richness to complement the crisp veggies and savory meats. The Dijon mustard adds a slight tang, while the lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the creaminess. The garlic powder and onion powder give the dressing depth without overpowering the other flavors.
If you want a more complex dressing, you could experiment with adding herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor. A drizzle of olive oil or a bit of grated Parmesan can add richness, and even a dash of hot sauce or paprika can introduce a little heat to the mix.
For those who prefer a vegan or dairy-free option, swapping out the mayo for avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative will yield similar results, with a creamy consistency and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients.
Conclusion: A Dish That’s Here to Stay
In conclusion, the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a perfect combination of comfort and freshness, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be made in advance make it a winner for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and even a simple family meal. The ingredients work together beautifully, with crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing providing a satisfying and flavorful dish that will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Whether you’re looking for a new dish to serve at your next event or just craving a light yet filling meal, this pasta salad has you covered. With its customizable nature and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a dish that can be made to suit any taste or dietary requirement. Try it out today and watch it become a go-to favorite for you and your loved ones.