Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brings all the beloved flavors of a classic club sandwich into one delicious, easy-to-make dish. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to disappear at gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables tossed with pasta creates a satisfying meal that works perfectly for any occasion.

Transforming familiar flavors into a new format is one of my favorite kitchen experiments. I first created this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad when I needed to bring a dish to a neighborhood potluck and wanted something more substantial than a regular salad but just as fresh and flavorful. The creamy, tangy dressing coats every bite of pasta, while the bacon adds that essential crunch we all love in a good club sandwich. This cold pasta salad has become my go-to recipe for picnics, barbecues, and busy weeknights when I need a no-fuss dinner that feeds a crowd. The best part is you can make it ahead, letting the flavors blend beautifully in the fridge.

What You’ll Need for This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Using thick-cut bacon makes a noticeable difference in this recipe – the texture and flavor are far superior to regular bacon. Pro tip: rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds amazing flavor without any extra cooking.

• 1 lb rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 lb bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (thick-cut preferred for extra crunch)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works beautifully)
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (real mayo works best)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Step by Step

Prepare all your ingredients before starting, especially the chicken and bacon. This makes assembly quick and easy.

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. This prevents a gummy texture and keeps your pasta salad fresh. Let it drain for a few minutes to remove excess water.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your creamy dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until completely smooth and well combined. The dressing should be thick but pourable, with a consistency similar to ranch dressing. Set aside.

Step 3: If your bacon isn’t already cooked, cook it now until crispy (in a skillet, oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave). Crumble once cooled. In a large mixing bowl (needs to hold at least 12 cups), combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the bowl.

Step 4: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta and every ingredient is evenly coated with the tangy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the lettuce.

Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the pasta absorbs some of the dressing for maximum flavor. The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Step 6: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and check the consistency. If it seems dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or sour cream. Serve chilled.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Salad

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes.

Grilled Burgers: The cool, creamy pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to hot, juicy burgers and is perfect for summer cookouts.

BBQ Chicken: The tangy dressing complements smoky grilled or barbecued chicken beautifully, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, sweet fruit salad balances the richness of the pasta salad and adds color to your table.

Corn on the Cob: Buttery grilled corn pairs perfectly with this club sandwich inspired dish for a classic picnic spread.

Crispy Chips and Dip: Simple tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole round out a casual meal when serving this as a main course.

More Hearty Pasta Salad and Main Dish Ideas

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with other satisfying main dishes that bring comfort and flavor to your table. For another crowd-pleasing pasta option, try our Loaded Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta, which delivers similar hearty flavors in a warm, comforting format. The Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta also uses rotisserie chicken for quick, delicious meals.

When planning a complete meal spread, serve this pasta salad alongside warm dishes like our Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce or Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. For lighter accompaniments that complement the rich, creamy pasta salad, consider our Crispy Roasted Cauliflower or fresh Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet.

Storing Your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Store your pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the romaine lettuce separate if you plan to store leftovers works best, as it can become soggy over time. Simply add fresh lettuce when you’re ready to serve again.

This cold pasta salad is meant to be served chilled and should not be reheated. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to refresh it. The flavors actually deepen and improve after sitting overnight.

For parties, prepare everything except the lettuce the night before, then add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh. This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad travels well in a cooler, making it perfect for tailgating or beach picnics.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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