There’s something about a pasta salad that just clicks when you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and crowd-pleasing. But this isn’t just any pasta salad—this is a Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, and it’s exactly as delicious as it sounds. Think about all the things you love about a classic club sandwich: crispy turkey bacon, savory chicken ham, creamy mayo, and fresh, crunchy lettuce. Now imagine all of those flavors combined into a chilled pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a quick lunch, or even a potluck with friends, this pasta salad is the answer to your culinary prayers.

I first tried this recipe at a friend’s get-together, and it was an instant hit. I couldn’t believe how quickly it was gone! Everyone loved how it took all the familiar flavors of a club sandwich and made them even easier to eat. No need to worry about bread falling apart or needing extra napkins for all that sandwich filling—just a bowl of creamy, tangy, and totally satisfying pasta salad. It’s one of those recipes that seems fancy but is actually so simple to whip up. I’m excited to share it with you, because I know it’ll be just as big of a hit for you as it was for me!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto all the creamy dressing and ingredients.
• 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped: Adds that crispy, salty crunch that makes a club sandwich unforgettable.
• 1 cup cooked chicken ham, diced: A lighter alternative to regular ham, but it still packs a punch in flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Fresh and juicy, these little guys add a nice burst of sweetness.
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped: Brings the fresh crunch of a salad right into the mix.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese makes everything better—especially in a pasta salad!
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a slight sharpness and a little bite, balancing the richness of the dressing.

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, giving it that smooth texture you expect from a club sandwich.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: A little tangy kick that works perfectly against the creamy mayo.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Just a touch of brightness to lift the whole dish.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A subtle savoriness that rounds out the flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To bring everything together.

The First Few Steps

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Boil your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. I love using rotini because the spirals are perfect for soaking up that creamy dressing. Once it’s cooked, drain it, and make sure to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps keep the pasta from getting too mushy when you mix everything together later.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Now that your pasta is cooled and ready, grab a large mixing bowl. You’re going to combine the pasta with the cooked turkey bacon, diced chicken ham, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and the finely chopped red onion. It’s starting to look like a colorful, hearty club sandwich, isn’t it? All the ingredients are already shining, and we’re not even to the dressing yet!

At this point, you’re already halfway to a dish that’s going to be the star of your next meal. Keep going, and I promise the next steps will make this come together even more beautifully. Stay tuned for the next part where we’ll finish off the salad with a rich, tangy dressing that pulls all these amazing flavors together.

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients beautifully combined in that big bowl, it’s time for the star of the show: the creamy dressing. This is what takes your pasta salad from great to amazing—the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors that’ll coat every bite. And the best part? The dressing is super simple to make, and you can tweak it to your liking. It comes together in just a few minutes, and once you pour it over your pasta mixture, it’ll pull all those delicious ingredients together into one cohesive dish.

Let’s dive into the final steps that’ll turn your club sandwich pasta salad into something you’ll want to make again and again.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl (or even a jar if you want to shake it up), whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

The mayo is going to be your base—giving that rich, creamy texture that works so well with the pasta and other ingredients. The Dijon mustard adds a nice, tangy kick that gives the salad that “club sandwich” flavor you love. The lemon juice brightens up the whole dish, cutting through the richness of the mayo and balancing it out. Garlic powder is there to add that savory depth, while salt and pepper bring everything together.

Whisk everything until the dressing is smooth, and make sure to taste it! Want a little more tang? Add more Dijon mustard. Want it creamier? Just add a touch more mayo. Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your taste—this is your salad, after all, and it should be just how you like it.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Once your dressing is smooth and you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to pour it over your pasta mixture. The pasta and all those delicious ingredients are ready and waiting for the dressing to coat every little bit. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together. I love this part because it’s so satisfying to see all the ingredients get coated in that creamy goodness.

Take your time with the tossing—don’t rush it! You want every piece of pasta, bacon, cheese, and veggie to be well-coated in the dressing. If it looks a little dry, you can always add a touch more mayo or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up. The key is getting that perfect balance of creamy dressing with each bite.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Now that everything is mixed together, it’s time for the most important step: letting it chill in the fridge. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The chill time is crucial, as it allows all the flavors to meld together and lets the pasta absorb the creamy dressing.

While it’s chilling, you can relax, maybe pour yourself a drink, or prep some other dishes for your meal. If you have more time, letting the salad chill for a couple of hours (or even overnight) will make the flavors even richer and more developed.

Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own

While this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is amazing as written, there are so many ways you can make it your own! Here are a few variations and tips to keep in mind:

• Add More Veggies: The great thing about pasta salads is how versatile they are. If you want to add more texture or flavor, consider throwing in some cucumber, bell peppers, or even avocado for a creamy, rich twist. The more veggies, the fresher and more vibrant the salad!
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for the chicken ham. It’s already cooked and shredded, so it’s a quick swap that adds even more flavor.
• Make it Lighter: Want a lighter version of the salad? Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt to get that creamy texture with a little extra protein and less fat. You could also use light mayo or a vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free or healthier option.
• Extra Crunch: If you love a good crunch (like I do), try adding some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds to give it a bit of extra texture and a nutty flavor.
• Swap the Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even some crumbled feta for a different cheese experience.

The best part about this pasta salad is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love most. It’s one of those dishes that can work for any occasion and can be customized to match your mood or dietary needs.

I hope you’re starting to see just how simple and delicious this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is shaping up to be! The next step is to let it chill, and then—voila! You’ll have a dish that’s not only super flavorful but also easy to serve and share with others. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can snack on leftovers for the next few days.

FAQ Section

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making this pasta salad ahead of time actually helps the flavors meld together even more. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes before serving, but if you have the time, preparing it a few hours or even the night before will give you the best results. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the creamy dressing, you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer. Bowties (farfalle), penne, or even elbow macaroni would all work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions and let it cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Definitely! If you prefer regular bacon for its extra smokiness and flavor, go ahead and use it. Just cook it until it’s nice and crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. You can also try crispy pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. No matter what type of bacon you use, the important part is that it adds that satisfying crunch to the salad.

Can I substitute the chicken ham for something else?
Yes, feel free to substitute the chicken ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey breast, or even salami if you want a more classic deli meat flavor. For a lighter version, try using grilled chicken breast. The beauty of this salad is that it’s customizable, so you can use whatever protein you prefer or have on hand!

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before serving again, as the dressing may separate a bit after chilling. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch on the go!

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! This salad is super flexible when it comes to adding more veggies. Try adding cucumber, sweet bell peppers, or even avocado for extra freshness. Olives or pickles would also be great if you like a little briney bite. Feel free to play around with whatever vegetables you love!

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
This version of the recipe is not gluten-free because of the rotini pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check that your dressing ingredients are also gluten-free if needed, especially if you’re using pre-made mayo or mustard.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! It’s quick, easy, and full of all the amazing flavors you love in a classic club sandwich. With its blend of crispy turkey bacon, savory chicken ham, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to become a go-to dish in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s so versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients and make it your own every time you make it.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, bringing it to a BBQ, or just enjoying it as a quick lunch, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and fresh ingredients—no wonder it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

I hope you’re as excited to try it as I am to share it with you. Once you make it, be sure to come back and let me know how it turned out or if you made any tasty variations! I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Happy cooking!

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