Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine all the delicious flavors of a classic club sandwich – the savory turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise – transformed into a vibrant and utterly irresistible pasta salad. This isn’t just another pasta salad recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the club sandwich itself boasts a relatively modern history, believed to have originated in the late 19th century at the Saratoga Club-House in New York, its enduring popularity stems from its perfect balance of textures and tastes. We’ve taken that same winning combination and given it a delightful twist, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

What makes this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad so beloved? It’s the symphony of flavors, of course! The smoky bacon perfectly complements the tender turkey, while the burst of fresh tomato and the creamy dressing create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup diced tomato
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I always say, don’t skimp on the salt! It really helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is firm to the bite. You don’t want mushy pasta in your salad!
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately in a colander.
4. Rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This is crucial for pasta salad, as you don’t want the pasta to continue cooking and become sticky.
5. Shake off any excess water and set the pasta aside to drain completely. You can even spread it out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to help it dry faster.

Preparing the Dressing:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk until smooth. The milk helps to thin out the dressing and make it easier to coat the pasta.
2. Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more sugar if I want a slightly sweeter dressing, or a dash more vinegar for a tangier flavor.
4. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the other ingredients. You can even make the dressing a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a very large bowl (the same one you used for the dressing is fine, just make sure it’s clean!), combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken breast, crumbled bacon, and diced ham.
2. Add the diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, and chopped red onion to the bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and other ingredients.
4. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the pasta to break apart.
5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad.

Chilling and Serving:

1. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld together. I find that the salad tastes even better after it has been chilled for a few hours or even overnight.
3. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. The dressing may have thickened slightly in the refrigerator, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out if necessary.
4. Serve the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad cold. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or any other occasion where you need a delicious and easy-to-make side dish.

Tips and Variations:

• Pasta Choice: While I recommend rotini or penne, feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Bow tie pasta (farfalle) or shell pasta (conchiglie) would also work well.
• Meat Variations: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even roast beef in place of the chicken breast and ham.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of cheddar cheese, try using Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado (add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning).
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little bit of heat.
• Make it Lighter: Use light mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the fat content of the salad.
• Add Some Crunch: Stir in some croutons or toasted breadcrumbs just before serving for added crunch.
• Make it Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it has been chilled for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. It’s also great as a main course for lunch or a light dinner.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Club Sandwich Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 450-550
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 75-100mg
• Sodium: 700-900mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Protein: 20-25g

Enjoy your delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad isn’t just another pasta salad; it’s a flavor explosion that perfectly captures the essence of a classic club sandwich in a delightful, portable form. The creamy, tangy dressing, the salty bacon, the juicy tomatoes, and the tender pasta all come together in a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal or side dish.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s a crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile. Don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand? Use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken. Prefer a different type of cheese? Swap out the cheddar for Swiss or Monterey Jack. The possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients you might already have in your fridge.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, serve this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup. If you’re serving it at a picnic, be sure to keep it chilled until serving time.

Here are a few variations to try:

* Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado. You could also add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or use pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
* Italian Twist: Use Italian dressing instead of mayonnaise-based dressing and add some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
* Deluxe Version: Add hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
* Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

I’ve made this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s one of those recipes that everyone asks for, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Now, it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s so easy to make, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear what you think. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your experience in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your feedback helps other readers find the best recipes. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad as much as I do! I am confident that this will become a staple in your recipe collection.

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