Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

I’ve always loved the flavors of a classic club sandwich—the crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and creamy dressing all coming together in one bite. But as much as I enjoy the sandwich, sometimes I want something a little more refreshing and easy to share. That’s how this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad became a favorite in my kitchen.

One summer afternoon, I was craving a club sandwich but didn’t feel like dealing with the bread. Instead, I had some leftover rotini in the fridge and decided to toss everything into a bowl.

A little crisp lettuce, crunchy bacon, and a tangy dressing later, I had something even better than I expected—a pasta salad packed with all the flavors I love in a club sandwich but with a fun twist.

Now, it’s my go-to dish for picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight meals. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but light enough to serve as a side. Plus, it comes together quickly with ingredients I almost always have on hand. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying dish that brings familiar flavors to the table in a fresh way, this pasta salad is it!

Short Description

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad transforms the classic sandwich into a flavorful, hearty dish. Packed with tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisking bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Tongs or salad spoon for mixing

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta cools, dice the cooked chicken, crumble the bacon, halve the grape tomatoes, and chop the cucumber, red onion, and lettuce.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, cheese, and red onion.

Step 5: Toss with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with Flavor: Smoky bacon, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing make every bite irresistible.

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for meal prep, potlucks, or as a refreshing summer meal.

Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the Pasta
Overcooked pasta turns mushy when mixed with dressing. Cook it al dente and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Adding Dressing Too Soon
If the pasta is still warm, it will absorb too much dressing, making the salad dry. Let the pasta cool completely before tossing.

3. Not Chilling Before Serving
The flavors need time to blend. For best results, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or a simple sandwich for a hearty meal.
– Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for a refreshing combo.
– Serve family-style at BBQs, picnics, or potlucks—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.

Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it warm, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Bowtie, penne, or fusilli work great in this recipe.

3. How can I make this healthier?
Swap regular mayo for Greek yogurt or use a light ranch dressing.

4. Can I add extra protein?
Sure! Try diced turkey, ham, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

5. What can I use instead of bacon?
If you don’t eat bacon, swap it with turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas for crunch.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra crunch, add croutons just before serving.
– Want more zest? Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad.
– Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Recipe Variations

1. Avocado Club Pasta Salad
Add 1 diced avocado right before serving for creaminess.
Use lime juice instead of Dijon mustard in the dressing.

2. Vegetarian Club Pasta Salad
Skip the chicken and bacon. Add 1 cup of roasted chickpeas for protein.
Use vegan mayo and ranch dressing for a plant-based option.

3. Italian Club Pasta Salad
Replace cheddar with mozzarella pearls.
Add sliced black olives and a sprinkle of oregano for an Italian twist.

Final Thoughts

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—perfect for a laid-back lunch, a side at summer gatherings, or a make-ahead meal for busy days.

The mix of textures and flavors makes every bite satisfying, and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.

If you’re a fan of classic club sandwiches, this pasta salad is a fun way to enjoy those flavors in a new form. Plus, it’s a great dish to experiment with—swap in different cheeses, add a bit of spice, or throw in extra veggies to make it your own.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this dish as much as I do. Let me know how you like to customize yours—I’m always looking for new ideas to try!