Ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad – A Perfect Fusion of Flavors
Pasta lovers, rejoice! The Ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines the comfort of hearty pasta with all the savory elements of your favorite club sandwich. With tender rotini pasta tossed in a creamy dressing and loaded with turkey, ham, bacon, and fresh veggies, this dish is perfect for a potluck, a barbecue, or any occasion when you need a show-stopping side dish.
Think of this as a salad that eats like a meal. It’s the perfect marriage of textures, from the crisp bacon to the crunch of freshly chopped romaine lettuce. And don’t even get me started on the balance of flavors—the smoky bacon, salty ham, tangy Dijon mustard, and juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes are a delight in every bite.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Smoky bacon, savory meats, tangy mustard, and a creamy, zippy dressing come together in beautiful harmony.
- Texture: Chewy pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and chunks of sharp cheddar cheese ensure every bite is satisfying.
- Aroma: Picture the inviting smell of smoky bacon combined with the fresh, zesty scent of the dressing.
- Visual Appeal: A medley of bright reds, greens, and yellows makes this dish as stunning as it is delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly! If you can boil water and chop ingredients, you’ve got this.
- Special Equipment: Basic kitchen tools like a pot, knife, cutting board, and mixing bowl are all you need.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy. The ingredients are straightforward, the instructions are simple, and it’s virtually foolproof.
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food with a modern twist.
- Cost: Affordable. Most ingredients are kitchen staples or easily sourced at your local grocery store.
- Season: Best enjoyed year-round, but particularly popular in spring and summer for outdoor gatherings.
- Occasion: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or weekday lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad checks every box. Its taste seamlessly blends familiar sandwich flavors with the creamy comfort of a pasta salad. Imagine smoky bites of bacon and salty ham contrasted with the sharp tang of cheddar cheese cubes. The veggies give it a fresh crunch, while the Dijon dressing offers a slightly zesty kick.
Not only is the recipe incredibly easy to make, but it’s also ideal for meal prep. Whip it up in your spare time, refrigerate it overnight, and viola! You’ve got a delicious meal ready to be served when the occasion calls. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
On the nutrition front, this recipe offers a hearty mix of protein from the meats and bacon, along with fiber from the veggies. By including ingredients like lettuce and celery, you get the fun vibe of a salad without sacrificing the rich fulfillment of pasta.
Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to transform your usual weeknight dinner routine, the Ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad delivers on convenience, savings, and versatility.
The Recipe
Ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small whisk or fork
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced turkey breast, diced ham, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, and celery. Gently toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add the chopped romaine lettuce and give a final gentle toss to incorporate. Be careful not to bruise the lettuce.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Feel free to substitute rotini pasta with penne or bow-tie pasta for a fun twist.
- For an extra kick, add diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice to the dressing.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Enjoy this delightful fusion of a classic club sandwich and a comforting pasta salad! It’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
