Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Introduction

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of a club sandwich but want the refreshing ease of a pasta salad, this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the classic components of a traditional club—chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a creamy mayo-based dressing—and combines them with tender rotini pasta for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard cookout, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light family meal, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

My recipe story

This recipe was inspired by my love of both deli sandwiches and summer pasta salads. I’ve always enjoyed making traditional club sandwiches layered with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and tomatoes. One day, while preparing a pasta salad for a barbecue, I decided to combine the two. The result was a hearty, colorful dish that my family devoured instantly. Over time, I refined the recipe, adjusting the pasta-to-protein ratio, balancing the creaminess of the dressing, and adding just the right amount of bacon for a smoky crunch. Now, this has become a staple dish in my kitchen whenever I need something easy yet impressive.

Ingredient breakdown

The base of this salad is rotini pasta, which is perfect for holding onto creamy dressings and small bites of bacon and chicken. You’ll need about three cups of cooked, cooled pasta for this recipe, though you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or bowtie if you prefer.

The protein comes from cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and crispy bacon, which adds smoky richness. This combination gives the salad a satisfying heartiness while keeping it true to its “club sandwich” inspiration.

Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, diced lettuce, and maybe even cucumber or red onion bring color, crunch, and balance to the creamy dressing. Speaking of dressing, a simple mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of lemon juice ties everything together with tang and creaminess.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing

Step-by-step directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely. This ensures your salad won’t be weighed down by warm pasta.
2. Prepare the protein: While the pasta cools, cook your chicken breast if not already prepared. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear it until fully cooked, then let it rest before chopping into small pieces. For the bacon, cook strips until crisp, then crumble them into bite-sized bits. Both should be cooled before mixing to maintain the right texture.
3. Chop the veggies: Dice fresh lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes, and add any additional vegetables like cucumber or red onion for extra crunch. These fresh ingredients will lighten up the creamy base.
4. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if desired. Adjust to taste—some like a tangier finish, others prefer extra creaminess.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the pasta or vegetables as you mix.
6. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Give it a gentle stir before serving, and garnish with extra bacon or fresh herbs if you’d like.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily swap ingredients to make this salad fit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lower-carb option, try using chickpea pasta or a lettuce base instead of rotini. If you don’t eat bacon, substitute turkey bacon or even a handful of toasted sunflower seeds for crunch. Cheese lovers can add shredded cheddar, Swiss, or feta for an extra layer of flavor. To make it lighter, swap Greek yogurt for sour cream in the dressing. This recipe is flexible, so you can customize it however you like.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. If you plan on enjoying leftovers, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before eating to keep everything fresh. Freezing is not recommended, as pasta and fresh veggies tend to lose their texture when thawed. For make-ahead purposes, you can cook the pasta, prepare the dressing, and chop the chicken a day in advance. Simply assemble everything the day you plan to serve it.

Serving ideas & pairings

This pasta salad is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken skewers for a balanced barbecue spread. It also works well as a side to sandwiches, sliders, or wraps. For a refreshing summer meal, pair it with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine. If you’re hosting a potluck, consider complementing this dish with fresh fruit salad or garlic bread to round out the menu.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor.

How do I keep the salad from drying out in the fridge?
Add a spoonful of dressing before serving leftovers to refresh the creaminess.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon and add extra vegetables or beans for protein.

What other pasta shapes work well in this recipe?
Penne, farfalle (bowtie), or shells work equally well since they hold the dressing and mix-ins.

Can I serve this warm?
This salad is best served chilled, but if you prefer a warm version, skip refrigerating and enjoy immediately after mixing.

Final thoughts

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is the perfect marriage of comfort food and refreshing salad, offering all the flavors of a deli-favorite in a versatile, shareable dish. Its balance of creamy dressing, fresh veggies, and smoky bacon makes it a winning choice for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With its easy prep, customizable ingredients, and guaranteed crowd appeal, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Next time you want a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

---

• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty, refreshing twist on the classic club sandwich in pasta salad form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light family meal.

---

Ingredients

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.

2. Cook chicken breast until fully cooked, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.

3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. Pour dressing over and toss gently until coated.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Stir lightly and garnish with extra bacon if desired.

Notes

 For best results, add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American