This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines the iconic flavors of a classic club sandwich with the convenience and crowd-pleasing nature of a pasta salad. Featuring tender pasta tossed with turkey, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite deli sandwich in a format that’s perfect for sharing. Whether served as a main dish or side, this innovative recipe brings a fresh twist to both pasta salad and the traditional club sandwich.
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: A Deli Classic Reimagined
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brilliantly transforms the beloved layers of a classic club sandwich into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. This innovative dish combines all the best elements of a traditional club sandwich – crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender turkey, and fresh lettuce – with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy dressing that ties everything together.
What makes this recipe particularly special is its ability to deliver the satisfying flavors of a club sandwich in a format that’s both portable and perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of textures is exceptional – from the tender pasta and crispy bacon to the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors that captures the essence of the beloved sandwich.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
The genius of this recipe lies in its versatility and make-ahead potential. Unlike traditional sandwiches that can become soggy, this pasta salad actually improves as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The recipe is also incredibly adaptable – you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences while maintaining the classic club sandwich profile.
Sandwich Shop Favorite Meets Pasta Perfection
Moreover, this dish solves the common problem of serving sandwiches at gatherings. Instead of preparing individual sandwiches that can become messy or dry out, this pasta salad version maintains its freshness and is easy to serve. It’s substantial enough to be a main dish but also works perfectly as a side, making it an ideal choice for any casual gathering or family meal.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Best served: Chilled or room temperature
- Do not freeze
- Reserve extra dressing separately
- Add fresh lettuce just before serving
Summary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Small bowl for dressing
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound turkey breast, diced
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the dressing:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and seasonings
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced turkey, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, cheese, and red onion.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving:
- Add chopped romaine lettuce
- Fold in diced avocado if using
- Toss gently to combine
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente as it will soften slightly in the dressing
- Save some bacon and cheese for garnish
- Add lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness
- Can substitute turkey with chicken
- Make extra dressing to refresh leftovers
- Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces for best eating experience
- For food safety, don’t leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Can add cucumber for extra crunch
- Use high-quality bacon for best flavor
- Reserve some dressing to moisten leftover portions