If you love the layered flavors of a classic club sandwich, then this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to dish. It’s a fresh, satisfying, and flavor-packed salad that combines all the best elements of a deli-style club into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing pasta dish. This cold pasta salad is the perfect fusion of textures and tastes: tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, savory chicken, sharp cheddar, and zesty red onion—all tossed together for a meal that’s as delicious as it is convenient.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
✔️ Quick and easy – ready in 20 minutes
✔️ Protein-rich & filling – chicken + bacon = power combo
✔️ Customizable – swap ingredients based on what you love
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – make ahead and chill
✔️ Great for sharing – ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or work lunches
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne work great)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
Optional additions: avocado chunks, hard-boiled eggs, ranch dressing, or pickles for that extra club sandwich flair!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2️⃣ Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooling, dice the chicken, crumble the bacon, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and grate the cheese. Keep the components ready for quick assembly.
3️⃣ Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and red onion. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
4️⃣ Serve or Chill
Serve immediately as a warm pasta salad or cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for a refreshing cold dish. The flavors develop even more after chilling!
💡 Expert Tips & Variations
- Dressing Ideas: Add a creamy element with ranch, mayo-yogurt mix, or honey mustard dressing for extra richness.
- Low-carb option: Use chickpea or lentil pasta instead of traditional pasta.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle in croutons just before serving to mimic toasted bread.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and chicken, and add hard-boiled eggs or roasted chickpeas.
📌 Perfect For…
🥙 Summer BBQs
🥗 Picnics & Potlucks
🥪 Quick Lunches
🍱 Meal Prep & Leftovers
🍽️ Family Dinners
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a versatile, satisfying choice that brings bold flavors and feel-good ingredients together in one bowl.
📣 Final Thoughts
This pasta salad is more than a side dish—it’s a complete, hearty meal that reinvents the beloved club sandwich in salad form. Bright, savory, filling, and easy to make—what’s not to love? Give it a try and bring a new classic to your table!
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