Description: This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes the classic flavors of a club sandwich – chicken, bacon, tomato, and lettuce (represented by cucumber) – and transforms them into a delightful and refreshing pasta salad. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a light and flavorful lunch. Creamy, tangy, and packed with savory goodness, this pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4-6 slices, depending on thickness)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds a tangy depth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon each and adjust)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. It’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold up well in the salad. Adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water enhances the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Spread the pasta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to cool down more quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken and bacon. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces. If not, you can quickly poach or grill chicken breast specifically for this recipe. For the bacon, you can cook it in a skillet until crispy, bake it in the oven, or even microwave it for a faster method. Make sure the bacon is thoroughly cooked and crispy before crumbling it. Using kitchen shears to cut the bacon into small pieces before cooking can make crumbling easier. Drain any excess grease from the bacon on paper towels.
Step 3: Chop the vegetables. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Thinly slice the cucumber. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10-15 minutes, which will help reduce its sharpness. Finely dice or thinly slice the red onion for the salad. This is the stage you need to be extra careful when slicing ingredients and always keep your fingers away from the blades.
Step 4: Make the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisking ensures that the dressing is smooth and well-emulsified. The lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Some people prefer a more tangy dressing, while others prefer a creamier one. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
Step 5: Combine everything and chill. In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the pasta and make the salad mushy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color to the salad. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the salad also makes it more refreshing.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a winner for so many reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: It captures the essence of a club sandwich in a light and refreshing pasta salad. The combination of savory chicken and bacon, sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and tangy dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and mostly just chopping and mixing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dish to bring to a potluck.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Use different types of pasta, add other vegetables like bell peppers or celery, or substitute the chicken with turkey or ham.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta salad actually tastes better after it has had time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta salad is always a hit at gatherings. It’s a unique and unexpected twist on a classic club sandwich that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a simple lunch, this pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring to any occasion. It’s light, refreshing, and satisfying.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a main course for lunch or a light dinner.
- Serve as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or picnics.
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve in lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Garnish with extra bacon crumbles or fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Soak the sliced red onion in cold water to reduce its sharpness.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dressing to your liking.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the pasta salad seems dry after chilling, add a little more mayonnaise or lemon juice to moisten it.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving, will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
Conclusion:
The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a creative and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a club sandwich in a new and exciting form. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or a refreshing side, this pasta salad is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try and let the flavors of chicken, bacon, tomato, and creamy dressing transport you to sandwich paradise! This will be the only recipe you want to use!
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with rotini, farfalle (bow ties), penne, or any other short pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente.
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A: Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for added protein. To mimic the smoky flavor of bacon, consider adding smoked paprika to the dressing or using smoked tofu.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to meld together. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together? A: To prevent the pasta from sticking, rinse it under cold water immediately after cooking. This will stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. You can also toss the cooked pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding it to the salad. Spreading the pasta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to cool down more quickly and evenly.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad? A: Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables to your liking. Some great additions include chopped celery, bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), shredded carrots, or even corn kernels. Get creative and customize the salad to your taste preferences!
