Summer is here, and I don’t know about you, but I’m all about finding recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for those warm-weather meals. Enter the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad—a fun and flavorful twist on the classic club sandwich that you can’t help but love! It’s the ultimate combo of cooked chicken, crispy turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all brought together with a creamy dressing that’s just the right amount of tangy. This pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, family BBQs, or just as a quick and satisfying lunch when you don’t want to turn on the stove for too long.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a soft spot for club sandwiches. There’s something about the layers of crispy turkey bacon, tender chicken, and all those fresh veggies that just hits the spot. But let’s face it—sometimes, sandwiches can feel a little too heavy or just not quite what you’re craving. So, why not take everything you love about a club sandwich and turn it into a pasta salad? This dish brings all those wonderful flavors together in a light and refreshing way, making it a true crowd-pleaser. And it’s so customizable—you can add your own twist with things like avocado or pickles, so every bite is as unique as your taste buds.

But enough about why this recipe is amazing—let’s get into how you can make it yourself! I’ll walk you through each step, and by the end, you’ll have a pasta salad that’ll be the highlight of any meal. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

The first step to creating this delicious salad is, of course, the pasta. I recommend using a sturdy pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne because they’re great at holding onto the flavors of the dressing and all those yummy ingredients we’re about to add. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente—no one wants mushy pasta in their salad! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step is key to stopping the cooking process and cooling the pasta down quickly. We want to make sure it’s perfectly chilled when we mix everything together.

Set the pasta aside to let it continue cooling. You can even toss it in a little bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the other ingredients. Now, that’s one step down!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta is cooling off, it’s time to make the creamy, tangy dressing that will tie everything together. This dressing is where the magic happens. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. The mayo and sour cream provide the creamy base, while the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar add just the right amount of zing to balance out all those rich flavors.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a good whisk. Once the dressing is nice and smooth, pop it in the fridge while you work on the rest of the salad. The cooler temperature will help the flavors meld together as you assemble the salad.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Now for the fun part: mixing all those tasty ingredients together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your diced cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or even grab a rotisserie chicken from the store—totally up to you! Next, crumble the cooked turkey bacon over the pasta. Trust me, the smoky, crispy turkey bacon is going to add the perfect crunch to every bite.

Add in the halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and juicy sweetness, followed by the shredded lettuce for that classic club sandwich crunch. The shredded cheddar cheese brings richness and creaminess that just ties everything together, and the diced red onion adds a little tang that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Gently toss everything together to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly mixed with all the ingredients. Now, doesn’t that look delicious already?

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Once your salad ingredients are nicely mixed, it’s time to pour that creamy dressing over the top. Take the dressing you made earlier out of the fridge, and drizzle it over the salad. Gently toss everything again until every bite is coated in that creamy, tangy goodness. The dressing will work its way into all the nooks and crannies of the pasta, ensuring that each mouthful is just as flavorful as the last.

At this point, you’re probably already thinking how good it smells—trust me, it only gets better from here!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

The final step before diving into this tasty pasta salad is to give it some time to chill. Cover the salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the dressing time to meld with all the ingredients and lets the flavors develop even more. Plus, it’s always nice to enjoy a chilled pasta salad when the weather is warm.

Once it’s chilled, it’s time to serve! This dish is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, and parties, or just as a quick, satisfying meal when you need something light but filling.

By now, you’ve learned how to make the base of this mouthwatering Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, and I’m sure your kitchen is smelling amazing! But before you start serving, let’s talk about a few more steps, variations, and tips that will make this salad even more of a crowd-pleaser. There are a few optional ingredients and little tricks that can take this dish to the next level. From customizing the flavor to adding a few extra touches, I’ve got you covered.

Step 6: Add Extra Flavor with Optional Add-Ins

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you can really make this pasta salad your own by adding in a few optional ingredients. This is where the fun begins—feel free to get creative!

Avocado: One of my favorite add-ins to this salad is diced avocado. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle flavor that complements the tangy dressing perfectly. The richness of the avocado mimics the feel of the sandwich’s mayonnaise, but with a fresh twist.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you want to up the protein factor or just add a little extra richness to your salad, chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great choice. They’re a classic addition to any club sandwich, and they bring that extra bit of creaminess that makes this pasta salad even more satisfying.
Pickles: If you love the tangy crunch of pickles in your club sandwich, go ahead and toss some diced pickles into the salad. They’ll bring a burst of vinegar and crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the other ingredients. Plus, pickles are just plain delicious!
Fresh Herbs: Don’t forget about fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill will add brightness and an extra layer of flavor to your pasta salad. Herbs are an easy way to elevate a dish without much effort.

These add-ins are completely optional, but they can really take this pasta salad to the next level. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try combining a few of them! You can even swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or what your taste buds are craving.

Step 7: Adjust the Dressing to Your Liking

One of the best parts about this pasta salad is how versatile the dressing is. If you like a bit more zing, feel free to add more Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. On the flip side, if you prefer a creamier dressing, add a little more sour cream or mayonnaise.

The beauty of this dressing is that it’s super customizable, so make sure to taste and adjust it to suit your preferences. If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, you might want to make the dressing a little tangier so it holds up when chilled.

Step 8: Make Ahead and Store

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish! If you’re prepping for a picnic or a big party, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just follow all the steps, including adding the dressing, and store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight, and the salad will be even more flavorful the next day. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving.

Since the dressing is so creamy, it’s important to store it in the fridge to keep everything fresh and chilled. If the salad has been sitting in the fridge for a while and seems a little dry, feel free to add a bit more dressing before serving. You can also mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to freshen it up!

Step 9: Serving Suggestions

While this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is already a full meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with other dishes for a well-rounded meal. Here are a few serving ideas to make it even better:

Serve it with Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you want to take this salad to the next level, serve it alongside some grilled chicken or shrimp. The flavors from the salad and the grilled protein will complement each other perfectly.
Pair it with Fresh Bread: This pasta salad is delicious with a slice of fresh, crusty bread or garlic bread. It’s a light meal on its own, but the addition of bread makes it feel a little more hearty.
Add a Simple Side Salad: If you want to go the extra mile, serve this pasta salad alongside a light, refreshing side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The contrast of flavors will make for a perfect meal.

The possibilities are endless, and whether you keep it simple or pair it with other dishes, this pasta salad is sure to impress.

FAQs and Conclusion – All You Need to Know About Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! It’s a fresh take on a classic that will quickly become a go-to for those warm, sunny days. But I know that sometimes you might have a few lingering questions about how to make this dish just right, or what you can do to customize it to your taste. In this section, I’m answering some frequently asked questions to ensure you can make the best version of this pasta salad every time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini, bowtie, or penne work best because they hold the dressing and ingredients well, you can use any type of pasta you like. Fusilli, farfalle, or even shells would work just as well. The key is to choose a sturdy pasta that can hold the dressing and ingredients without getting soggy. Just make sure to cook it al dente!

2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If the salad looks a little dry after sitting in the fridge, feel free to toss it with a little more dressing or a splash of mayo before serving.

3. Is there a way to make this pasta salad lighter?

Yes! You can easily lighten up this salad by swapping out some ingredients. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or opt for a lighter mayo, like a reduced-fat version. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can also skip the cheese or use a smaller amount. The dressing can be adjusted as well, using less mayo and more Greek yogurt or even a low-fat version.

4. Can I substitute the turkey bacon with something else?

If you’re looking for a turkey bacon alternative, there are a few options! You could use turkey bacon for a lighter option, or even crumble up crispy baked chickpeas or a handful of roasted nuts for a plant-based crunch. If you’re looking for a non-crispy texture, shredded rotisserie chicken or another type of protein would work well too.

5. How do I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Making this recipe vegetarian is easy! Simply omit the turkey bacon and swap the chicken for another protein source, like chickpeas or tofu. You can also add more veggies to compensate for the missing meat, such as cucumber, bell peppers, or even olives. This will add more texture and flavor, making it just as delicious!

6. Can I add other vegetables to this pasta salad?

Definitely! This pasta salad is highly versatile when it comes to vegetables. If you love the crunch of cucumbers, feel free to add those for extra freshness. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) will add some sweetness and color to the dish. You could even throw in some fresh corn or peas for a bit of sweetness and texture. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is, so feel free to toss in whatever veggies you enjoy.

7. What kind of cheese can I use instead of cheddar?

If you want to change up the flavor of the salad, there are plenty of other cheeses you can use instead of cheddar. Swiss cheese adds a mild, nutty flavor, while mozzarella will bring a creamy, stretchy texture. If you like a little sharpness, try using a blue cheese or feta for something more tangy and bold. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad recipe! It’s a fun, fresh twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just as a light lunch. The combination of tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing is absolutely irresistible. And with all the ways you can customize it, this salad will never get old! Whether you add avocado, pickles, or any of the other optional ingredients, you can make this dish your own and keep things interesting.

I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe for yourself and maybe even make it your go-to pasta salad this summer. The flavors are so vibrant and satisfying, and I can almost guarantee it’ll become a hit at your next meal. Don’t forget to experiment with different add-ins and dressings—this is one of those recipes that’s as versatile.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad