The Club Pasta Salad is a dreamy remix of your favorite deli-style club sandwich in refreshing, spoonable form. With tender rotini, juicy chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a medley of crunchy vegetables, this salad has layers of texture in every bite. Tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing that holds it all together, it’s perfect for backyard barbecues, meal prepping, or your next lunch craving.
This chilled salad brings a touch of indulgence without the heaviness, offering a satisfying mix of creamy, tangy, smoky, and crisp. It’s customizable too — swap in your favorite protein, mix up the veggies, or even give it a kick with hot sauce. Serve it up for a crowd or keep it in the fridge for a go-to meal all week.
Full Recipe:
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12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
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1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
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1 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup red onion, diced
For the Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
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Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and red onion.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
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Cover and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Flavorful Twist: The Story Behind Club Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a timeless staple when it comes to casual dining, potlucks, barbecues, and everyday meal prep. But what happens when you take the beloved components of a traditional club sandwich — think juicy chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies — and combine them with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing? You get the Club Pasta Salad, a vibrant, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that stands out in both taste and versatility.
The inspiration for this dish comes from the American deli classic — the club sandwich. Layered with meats, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, it’s a fan-favorite in diners and lunch menus across the country. By reimagining those elements into a pasta salad, we not only preserve the nostalgic flavors but elevate them into a dish that’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for gatherings of any kind.
Why Club Pasta Salad Works So Well
The brilliance of this salad lies in its balance of textures and flavors. It’s creamy yet fresh, hearty yet light, savory yet zesty. Every bite delivers a little bit of everything — tender pasta, crunchy bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy dressing, and rich cheddar cheese.
Here’s why this dish is a crowd-pleaser:
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Versatility: Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or a party platter. It complements barbecue fare like grilled chicken, ribs, or veggie skewers, but it’s also filling enough to stand on its own.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld and improve as it chills, making it ideal for prepping in advance. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or meal-prep lunches.
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Customizable: Swap out proteins, add veggies, toss in some extras like avocado or croutons — this is a recipe that welcomes personalization.
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Seasonal Appeal: While it’s ideal for summer gatherings, it’s equally welcome year-round thanks to its comfort-food vibes.
Key Flavor Elements in Club Pasta Salad
At its core, this salad is about balance. Let’s explore how the components work together to deliver a cohesive and satisfying dish:
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Protein: Diced chicken breast serves as the base protein, providing a lean, tender bite. Turkey bacon introduces a smoky crunch and keeps things lighter than traditional pork bacon.
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Fresh Veggies: Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of juiciness, red onion adds subtle heat and crunch, and shredded lettuce contributes crisp texture and lightness.
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Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives the dish a creamy, slightly sharp richness that ties it all together.
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Creamy Dressing: The real star. A mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika creates a tangy, creamy dressing that mimics the familiar flavor of a club sandwich spread.
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Herbs and Spices: A touch of paprika adds subtle warmth, while garlic powder enhances the savory notes. Fresh parsley at the end brings a pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
The Perfect Dish for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a family potluck, or prepping meals for the week, this pasta salad adapts beautifully to your needs.
For Entertaining: It’s a no-brainer. This salad presents beautifully, tastes great at room temperature or cold, and pairs well with grilled meats or a fresh fruit tray. Serve it in a large glass bowl or on a platter with extra toppings sprinkled over the top for an elegant touch.
For Meal Prep: Club Pasta Salad holds up well in the fridge, typically staying fresh for up to 3 days. The ingredients keep their texture if the lettuce is added just before serving. You can portion it into meal prep containers for a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner on busy days.
For Kids and Picky Eaters: This recipe hits the mark with most taste buds. The familiar sandwich flavors combined with pasta make it especially appealing for children. If red onion is too strong, it can easily be swapped out for milder green onions or left out entirely.
For Healthy Eating: You can lighten this dish significantly by using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo, using whole wheat pasta, and opting for low-fat cheese. Add-ins like avocado, spinach, or sunflower seeds can also increase nutritional value while enhancing flavor.
Variations to Try
What makes this recipe exciting is how easily it can evolve. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
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Add Avocado: Creamy, nutrient-rich, and a natural complement to the smoky bacon and chicken.
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Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and chicken and add roasted chickpeas or tofu for protein.
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Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce to the dressing, or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
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Go Keto or Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with cauliflower florets, zucchini noodles, or chopped cabbage.
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Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey breast, ham, or rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
Common Questions About Club Pasta Salad
How far in advance can I make it?
You can make this salad a day in advance. The flavors get better as they sit, just be sure to stir before serving. If you’re using lettuce, consider adding it right before serving to maintain the crisp texture.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. Pasta salads with creamy dressings tend to separate and become watery after freezing. It’s best to consume this dish within a few days of making it.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta with ridges or curves, like rotini, bowtie, or penne, holds the dressing well and makes for easy, forkable bites. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or spaghetti for this type of salad.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Cool the pasta thoroughly before mixing, and make sure ingredients like lettuce are added just before serving. You can also lightly oil the pasta after cooking to prevent clumping and sogginess.
Is it safe to keep out during a picnic?
Since this recipe contains mayonnaise, it’s best to keep it chilled. If serving outdoors, place the bowl on top of a larger bowl filled with ice or use a cooler to maintain a safe temperature.
Nutritional Benefits
While pasta salads are not typically considered “health food,” this version can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. With lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from the mayo/yogurt dressing, and a variety of colorful vegetables, it’s a meal that provides both satisfaction and nutrients.
If you’re seeking to reduce carbs or calories, you can substitute pasta with spiralized vegetables or add more greens. The base recipe is already quite balanced, and small adjustments can tailor it to any dietary preference.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Club Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, but you can create a more complete meal or spread by pairing it with:
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Grilled corn on the cob
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Fresh fruit skewers
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Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
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Garlic bread or herb focaccia
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Mini sliders or BBQ chicken skewers
For a more upscale presentation, serve individual portions in glass cups or mason jars with a parsley garnish.
Conclusion
Club Pasta Salad is more than just a remix of the classic deli sandwich — it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and seasonal freshness. It offers a hearty, satisfying bite that can be enjoyed at everything from family dinners to festive summer cookouts.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. With minimal prep time and ingredients that are easy to find, it’s a recipe that makes you feel like you’ve done more work than you actually have — and who doesn’t love that?
Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, adding this salad to your rotation is a flavorful way to elevate your weekly meals or impress guests at your next gathering. It’s proof that sometimes the best dishes are born from reinventing old favorites in fresh, exciting ways.