Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Experience the beloved flavors of a classic club sandwich reimagined in a vibrant and satisfying pasta salad. This dish combines tender pasta with savory chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's the perfect make-ahead option for any gathering or a delightful meal on its own.
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes (if components are pre-cooked)
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Captures all the iconic flavors of a club sandwich in a convenient, fork-friendly salad format.
- An incredibly versatile dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Simple to prepare, especially with pre-cooked ingredients, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Offers a delightful interplay of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures in every mouthful.
- Easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it with your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 450 g (3 cups) cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 150 g (1 cup) cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 60 g (1/2 cup) cooked bacon, crumbled
- 150 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 60 g (1/2 cup) red onion, thinly sliced
- 80 g (1 cup) chopped romaine lettuce
- 60 g (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 30 g (1/2 cup) cubed toasted bread (croutons)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) sour cream
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 15 g (1 tablespoon) chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the core salad components. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled cooked pasta, cubed cooked chicken breast, crumbled cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl for a consistent bite.
- Dress the salad. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully toss all the ingredients until they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the dressing. Be mindful not to overmix, which can bruise the more delicate ingredients like the lettuce.
- Incorporate the crunch just before serving. Approximately 5-10 minutes prior to serving the salad, gently fold in the cubed toasted bread or croutons. This timing is essential to ensure they remain crisp and do not become soggy from the dressing.
- Garnish and serve. If desired, sprinkle the finished salad with chopped fresh parsley or chives for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal. The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, according to your preference.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Essential Success Tips
- Cook your pasta al dente to ensure it maintains a pleasant chewiness and doesn't become mushy in the salad.
- For the best flavor, chill the prepared salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the dressing to fully meld with the ingredients.
- Always add the chopped romaine lettuce and toasted bread cubes or croutons just before serving to preserve their crisp texture.
- Don't overdress the salad; start with about three-quarters of the dressing and add more if needed, ensuring a perfect balance without sogginess.
- Achieve maximum crunch by cooking your bacon until it's extra crispy before crumbling it into the salad.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an elevated dressing, consider infusing your mayonnaise with a finely minced garlic clove or a pinch of smoked paprika to add depth and complexity.
- Craft your own croutons by toasting bread cubes in olive oil with a hint of garlic powder and dried herbs; this provides a superior crunch and flavor profile.
- A whisper of lemon zest added to the dressing can brighten the overall taste of the salad, cutting through the richness and adding a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover Club Sandwich Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the croutons may soften over time.
- Variations: Feel free to add diced avocado for an extra layer of creaminess, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a subtle kick. Grilled turkey or ham can also be used in place of or in addition to the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cooked components and mix the dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and cheese with the dressing just a few hours before serving, then add the lettuce and croutons at the very last minute to maintain their texture.
What kind of pasta works best for this salad?
Medium-sized pasta shapes that can hold the creamy dressing well are ideal. Rotini and penne are excellent choices due to their nooks and crannies. Farfalle (bow ties) or medium shells would also work beautifully, offering good bite and visual appeal.
Are there any protein substitutions I can make?
Absolutely! While chicken and bacon are quintessential club sandwich ingredients, you can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey breast or even add diced ham. For a vegetarian option, consider grilled halloumi cheese or roasted chickpeas for texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 25g, Fat: 30g, Carbs: 35g (per serving, approximate)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream), gluten (pasta, bread), and eggs (mayonnaise). For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread for croutons. For an egg-free alternative, opt for an egg-free mayonnaise.
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