This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich! It combines tender rotini pasta with juicy turkey, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. The balance of textures from the crunch of iceberg lettuce to the smooth richness of cheddar cheese makes every bite satisfying and delicious. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a simple meal at home, this pasta salad is as easy to make as it is to love. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with classic club sandwich flavors. Whether you’re a fan of pasta, sandwiches, or just looking for a new favorite dish, this salad is a must-try!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- ½ lb cooked turkey breast, diced
- ½ lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, turkey, chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra bacon or chopped herbs, if desired, and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Inspiration Behind Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
The club sandwich has been a staple in American cuisine for over a century. Traditionally made with layers of toasted bread, turkey or chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, this sandwich is known for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
On the other hand, pasta salads have long been a favorite at gatherings due to their ease of preparation and versatility. They offer a refreshing and hearty way to enjoy pasta while incorporating a variety of vegetables, proteins, and dressings.
By merging these two classics, the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad transforms the iconic sandwich into a shareable, crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make, store, and transport.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Proteins
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the cooked turkey and chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the red onion.
- Shred the iceberg lettuce into thin strips.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, turkey, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra bacon or fresh herbs, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Club Sandwich Pasta Salad?
This pasta salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments:
✔ Crusty Bread: Serve it with a warm baguette or garlic bread to complement the creamy dressing.
✔ Fresh Greens: A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
✔ Soup Pairing: A light soup like tomato bisque or chicken noodle soup makes for a well-rounded meal.
✔ Grilled Meats: This salad works as a perfect side for grilled chicken, steak, or seafood.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few creative variations:
🔹 Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add avocado, roasted chickpeas, or grilled tofu.
🔹 Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or chopped lettuce.
🔹 Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
🔹 Lighter Version: Use light mayo and Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
🔹 Deli-Style Twist: Swap turkey and chicken for ham and Swiss cheese for a more deli-inspired version.
Nutritional Benefits of Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
This pasta salad isn’t just delicious it also offers balanced nutrition:
🥩 Protein-Packed: Turkey, chicken, and bacon provide high-quality protein to keep you full.
🧀 Healthy Fats: The cheddar cheese and dressing offer essential fats for flavor and satiety.
🥦 Rich in Fiber: The veggies and whole-grain pasta (if used) add fiber for digestion.
🥗 Low in Sugar: Unlike store-bought salads, this homemade version has no added sugars.
Each serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Expert Tips for the Best Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
✔ Use High-Quality Ingredients – The better the turkey, bacon, and cheese, the more flavorful your salad will be.
✔ Chill Before Serving – Let the salad sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
✔ Add Lettuce Just Before Serving – This prevents it from wilting and keeps the salad fresh.
✔ Adjust the Dressing to Taste – Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
✔ Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory ideal for summer BBQs, family meals, or quick lunches. It’s easy to customize, full of protein, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or meal prepping for the week, this simple yet flavorful dish will be a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.