Description: This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes all the classic flavors of a club sandwich – chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese – and combines them with pasta for a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast (about 1 large chicken breast)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (such as romaine or iceberg)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Al dente is best to avoid a mushy salad.
- Step 2: Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to remove excess starch.
- Step 3: Let the pasta cool completely. You can spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
- Step 4: While the pasta is cooking and cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Cook and crumble the bacon, dice the chicken, halve the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, dice the cucumber, shred the cheddar cheese, and finely chop the red onion.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved grape tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling for a longer period, such as 1-2 hours, is even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and prep time. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken or bacon, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The creamy dressing coats the pasta and other ingredients, bringing them together in perfect harmony. The crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and bacon. The cheddar cheese adds a touch of richness, while the red onion provides a slight bite. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, packing protein, carbs, and veggies into every bite. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to easily adapt it to your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a potluck dish, or a light dinner, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for lunch or a light dinner.
- Bring to potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and other gatherings.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
- Garnish with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crackers.
Tips:
- Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy. Rotini, penne, or farfalle pasta work well in this salad.
- Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken for convenience.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best taste and appearance.
- Dressing: Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Add other ingredients like avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or olives. Substitute the ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or Italian dressing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 500mg (Note: This can vary greatly depending on the bacon and dressing used)
Conclusion:
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, offering a fresh and exciting way to enjoy familiar flavors. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of pasta, chicken, bacon, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. Making the salad a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The only thing to keep in mind is that the lettuce might wilt slightly, but the overall taste will still be fantastic.
- What kind of pasta works best in this salad?
- Rotini pasta is a great choice because its spirals hold the dressing well. However, you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni. The key is to choose a pasta that has ridges or grooves to grab onto the dressing and other ingredients.
- I don’t have ranch dressing. What can I substitute?
- If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little bit of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. You can also use a creamy Italian dressing for a similar flavor profile.
- Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
- Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Some great additions would be diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), celery, shredded carrots, or even some peas. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they blend well with the other ingredients.
- How can I make this salad healthier?
- There are several ways to make this salad healthier. You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Substitute the mayonnaise with light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to lower the calorie and fat count. Increase the amount of vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber. And finally, be mindful of the amount of dressing you use.
I hope you enjoy this detailed and comprehensive blog post for your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad recipe!
