Dinner

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe

ByMarina Montclair March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

Introduction

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a club sandwich with the creamy, satisfying comfort of pasta salad. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, offering a delicious mix of textures and tastes.

A clear glass bowl filled with a layered pasta salad on a white marbled texture, starting with a base of green lettuce leaves at the bottom. On top of the lettuce, there are thick yellow rotini pasta pieces mixed with small white chicken chunks. Scattered throughout the salad are diced bright orange cheddar cheese cubes and reddish-purple onion pieces. Crispy brown bacon bits are spread evenly across the top, adding texture and color contrast. Small green herb flecks are sprinkled throughout the salad, giving it a fresh look. The whole dish has a creamy and slightly glossy texture with a fresh and colorful presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cubed toasted bread (or croutons)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Just before serving, fold in the toasted bread cubes or croutons to add a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy as the salad sits.
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and stop further cooking.
Use extra crispy bacon to maintain crunch, especially if making the salad ahead of time.
Add lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Try substituting turkey or ham for the chicken to vary the protein.
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
Add extra vegetables like diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for more color and nutrition.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Add toasted bread cubes or croutons only before serving to keep them crunchy. Reheat is not recommended as this is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of green lettuce leaves that add a fresh, leafy texture. Above that, there are light yellow rotini pasta, mixed evenly with bright yellow cubed cheese pieces, small chunks of white chicken, shiny dark red crispy bacon bits, and finely chopped purple onion slices. Tiny green herb pieces are scattered throughout, adding small flecks of color. The overall look is fresh, vibrant, and richly textured. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 3 days in advance. Keep the toasted bread cubes or croutons separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

What pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini or penne pasta work well as they hold the dressing nicely and provide a good texture. Cooking the pasta al dente helps it stay firm when mixed with other ingredients.