Description

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of two classic favorites – the hearty club sandwich and the creamy pasta salad. This dish combines tender cooked pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp bacon, shredded romaine lettuce, and savory chicken breast, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Finished with shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy toasted bread cubes or croutons, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, quick lunches, or light dinners. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, offering convenience and satisfying taste in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad 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

Dressing Ingredients

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 Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, cubed cooked chicken breast, crumbled cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently toss the ingredients to mix evenly.
Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Fold in Crunchy Bread Cubes: Just before serving, fold in the cubed toasted bread or croutons carefully so they maintain their crunch and do not become soggy.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the dressing.
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly before assembling the salad.
Use crispy bacon and add it last-minute if making the salad ahead to maintain its crunchiness.
Shred lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting and keep the salad fresh.
Adjust seasoning after tossing the salad as pasta absorbs dressing and flavors can mellow.
To lighten the salad, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all mayonnaise and increase the amount of fresh vegetables.
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; add croutons and lettuce shortly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: club sandwich pasta salad, pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad, no cook pasta salad