Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

I’ve combined the best elements of a classic club sandwich—tender chicken, crisp bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing—with pasta to create a fun, hearty salad perfect for gatherings or a filling weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta salad brings together familiar flavors in a new and playful way. The combination of textures—from al dente pasta to crunchy bacon—makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prep in advance, feeds a crowd, and keeps well in the fridge. It’s essentially a handheld club sandwich, but without the bread!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotini or bow-tie pasta

• Cooked chicken, diced or shredded

• Bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Romaine lettuce, chopped

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Cucumber, diced

• Cheddar or Swiss cheese, cubed or shredded

• Green onions, sliced

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Dijon mustard

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.

3. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss until coated.

4. Gently fold in chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, and green onions.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6–8 servings.

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

• Total time: approximately 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

• Turkey swap: Use roasted turkey instead of chicken for a twist.

• Avocado version: Fold in diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess.

• Healthy swap: Use whole-wheat pasta and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

• Herb infusion: Stir in fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives for more brightness.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the salad is meant to be served cold, reheating isn’t needed. If the pasta soaks up too much dressing over time, I just drizzle in a little extra mayo or yogurt and toss before serving again.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this salad?

I prefer shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta because their grooves hold onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins really well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just add the lettuce and any delicate greens right before serving to maintain crispness.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Using a gluten-free pasta works great—choose a brand you like, cook according to package directions, and mix just as you would with regular pasta.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! I often save time by shredding rotisserie chicken. It adds convenience and great flavor.

What should I serve this with?

I serve it alongside fresh fruit, sliced avocado, or a light soup. It also makes a great side dish for picnics and BBQs.

Conclusion

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes all the delicious flavors of a traditional club and turns them into a vibrant, satisfying pasta dish. I love how easy it is to customize and make ahead, which makes it a perfect choice whether I’m hosting friends or just craving a delicious, no- bread meal. Give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in my summer lineup!