Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A delightful twist on the classic club sandwich, this pasta salad combines all the delicious flavors into a refreshing dish perfect for picnics or potlucks.
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brings together the classic flavors of a club sandwich in a fun, pasta form. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, it's a dish that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of a club sandwich in a refreshing pasta salad
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that works wonders for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a family picnic, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors and mix of textures make it visually appealing, while its familiar flavors evoke comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it can be served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal option for warm days.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it also caters to a variety of dietary preferences. With lean protein from the chicken and the crunch of fresh vegetables, it strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. You can even customize it further by adding your favorite ingredients, such as avocado or bell peppers, to make it your own.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the best things about this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is its meal prep potential. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. This makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals or families looking to streamline their meal planning without sacrificing taste.
To ensure the best flavor and texture, simply make the salad, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, creating a more harmonious taste. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving, and if needed, add a little extra dressing to refresh it.
A Kid-Friendly Option
If you're searching for a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, look no further! The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is not only easy to make, but its familiar ingredients make it a hit with children. Kids love the fun shapes of the rotini pasta, and the crispy bacon and cheese add a delightful flavor that keeps them coming back for more.
You can even involve your children in the preparation process, allowing them to help mix the ingredients or choose their favorite toppings. This not only makes mealtime more engaging but also encourages them to try new foods in a fun and relaxed way.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your refreshing Club Sandwich Pasta Salad!
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. Keeping it sealed will also preserve its vibrant colors and crunchy textures, ensuring it remains appetizing for several days.
If you're preparing this salad for a gathering, it's best to mix in the dressing just before serving. This will prevent the pasta from soaking up too much moisture and becoming mushy. If you have leftovers, you can always add a bit more dressing to revive it before enjoying.
Customize Your Salad
Feel free to get creative with your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! While the classic ingredients are fantastic, you can easily customize the salad to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding diced avocado for creaminess, or toss in some sliced bell peppers for a crunchy bite. You can also experiment with different proteins, such as turkey or ham, to change things up.
Herbs and spices can elevate the flavor profile significantly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add a delightful freshness, while a dash of paprika or cayenne can introduce a hint of heat. Don’t hesitate to make this salad your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance.
→ Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add more veggies or chickpeas for protein.
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
A delightful twist on the classic club sandwich, this pasta salad combines all the delicious flavors into a refreshing dish perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Created by: Megan Douglas
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g