Delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Bowl

If you’re anything like me, you probably love a good club sandwich—stacked high with turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of sandwich that’s satisfying, flavorful, and always hits the spot. But what if I told you that you could take all of those delicious flavors and turn them into a pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even just an easy weeknight dinner? That’s exactly what this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Bowl delivers.

This dish is one of those brilliant hybrids that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish but light and fresh enough for lunch or a side at your next backyard get-together. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, and the best part? It all comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Let me tell you a little secret: this salad was born out of one of those “what do I do with all these leftovers?” moments. I had some leftover cooked chicken, half a box of pasta, and a few slices of bacon I didn’t want to waste. I tossed them together with a simple mayo-based dressing, added a handful of fresh veggies, and voilà—the club sandwich salad bowl was born. It was an instant hit in my house, and I’ve been making it ever since.

So let’s break it down and walk through how to bring this creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed salad to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

• 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled

• 1 cup cooked turkey or chicken, diced

• 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded

• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and black pepper to taste

STEP 1: MAKE THE DRESSING

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and honey until smooth and creamy. Season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. The balance of creamy, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness is what really ties all the other ingredients together. You can taste and tweak it to match your preferences—maybe a little more mustard for bite or honey for sweetness.

Tip: If you like a little extra zip, try adding a splash of pickle juice or a touch of garlic powder.

STEP 2: ADD AND COAT THE PASTA

Now it’s time to bring in the pasta. Add your cooked and cooled rotini or penne directly into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Make sure the dressing reaches all the little grooves—this is what ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

I like using rotini because the twists really grab onto the dressing and mix-ins, but penne or even bowtie pasta would also work beautifully.

STEP 3: ADD THE MAIN INGREDIENTS

Next, stir in your diced turkey or chicken (this is a great way to use up leftovers!), chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed or shredded cheddar cheese, and the optional red onion if you like a bit of a sharp crunch. Gently fold everything together until well mixed.

Tip: If you’re prepping this ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce until just before serving to keep it nice and crisp. No one wants soggy greens!

Now that you’ve got all the flavorful components mixed together, your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Bowl is nearly ready to serve. But like any good salad—especially one with creamy dressing and fresh veggies—there’s a bit of art to knowing when and how to finish it off for the best flavor and texture.

Let’s dive into the next steps to bring everything together, along with some handy tips, variations, and make-ahead tricks you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

STEP 4: CHILL BEFORE SERVING

Once everything is mixed and tossed with that tangy, creamy dressing, the next step is crucial: chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This short resting time allows the pasta to soak in all that flavorful dressing, and the ingredients start to mingle and build those “next day” kind of flavors we all love.

Pop the bowl in the fridge, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it do its thing. If you’re planning to serve it for lunch or dinner, you can make this a couple hours ahead, and it’ll only get better.

Tip: If you’re prepping this the night before, wait to add the lettuce until right before you serve it. This keeps the greens nice and crisp and prevents the salad from getting watery.

STEP 5: SERVE AND GARNISH

Once your salad is chilled and ready, give it one more gentle toss. At this point, add your shredded lettuce and mix it in lightly. Or, if you’re serving it buffet-style or family-style, you can sprinkle the lettuce over the top as a garnish for that fresh, crunchy finish.

Want to level it up a little more? Try topping with an extra sprinkle of crispy bacon or even a few croutons to mimic the toasted bread element of a club sandwich.

Serve it up in individual bowls or pile it into a big serving dish—it’s just as perfect for a laid-back family dinner as it is for your next potluck.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Days

This salad is honestly a dream for meal prep. Here’s how to plan ahead without sacrificing texture:

• Keep the dressing separate: If you’re prepping several days ahead, store the dressing in a mason jar and toss it with the pasta and toppings just before serving.

• Store lettuce separately: Always add lettuce at the last minute. It wilts if mixed too early and can make the salad soggy.

• Use hearty ingredients: Cherry tomatoes and cubed cheese hold up well, even after chilling, so they’re great choices for make-ahead versions.

You can also portion the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Just pack the lettuce separately and add it right before eating.

Variations to Try

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can tweak it to match your pantry or your family’s preferences. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try diced ham for a more traditional club sandwich feel, or go vegetarian with chickpeas or roasted veggies.

• Change the pasta shape: Bowtie, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni all work great here.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the dressing or toss in some chopped pickled jalapeños.

• Make it ranch-style: Swap the mayo dressing for your favorite ranch dressing for a whole new flavor profile.

You really can’t go wrong. It’s one of those dishes that adapts to whatever you have on hand—and it always turns out delicious.

What to Serve with Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, especially for lunch or a light dinner. But if you want to build a full meal around it, here are a few great pairings:

• Fresh fruit or fruit salad for a sweet, refreshing contrast.

• A warm bowl of soup like tomato basil or chicken noodle—perfect for cooler days.

• Grilled veggies for an added dose of color and crunch.

• Garlic bread or baguette slices for that satisfying carby sidekick.

And if you’re taking this to a potluck or picnic, just know—it’ll probably be the first bowl to get scraped clean. Yes, it’s that good.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Bowl FAQs & Final Thoughts