Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

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Club Sandwich Pasta Salad 🍝🥪

Introduction

The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics — the hearty, savory club sandwich and a creamy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. This recipe takes all the iconic ingredients of a traditional club sandwich — bacon, turkey, ham, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese — and tosses them together with perfectly cooked pasta in a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or a fun family dinner.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The Club Sandwich originated in American country clubs in the late 19th century, known for its triple-decker layers of meats, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Pasta salad, on the other hand, became popular in the 20th century as a cold, refreshing side dish for gatherings. The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a modern American creation that combines these two classics, bringing together the textures and flavors of a club sandwich in a fun, fork-friendly form. It reflects contemporary food culture’s love for mashups and hearty, easy-to-make dishes.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Salad:

  • 3 cups cooked rotini or elbow macaroni pasta (cooled)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken or turkey breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced ham
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions

  • Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced or chopped for extra protein.
  • Avocado chunks: For creaminess.
  • Pickles or relish: For a tangy crunch.
  • Chopped fresh parsley or dill: For a fresh herb flavor.
  • A dash of hot sauce: If you like a little heat.

Tips for Success

Use cooled pasta: Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing and become mushy.
Cook bacon until crispy: It adds a perfect crunchy texture.
Dice ingredients uniformly: So every bite has a bit of everything.
Dress lightly at first: You can always add more dressing before serving.
Add lettuce last: To keep it crisp and fresh, stir it in right before serving.

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced chicken/turkey, ham, bacon, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and cheese.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Add shredded lettuce just before serving and toss gently.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Garnish with extra bacon or fresh herbs if desired.

Description

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is creamy, savory, and bursting with textures. The salty crunch of bacon, the tenderness of turkey and ham, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce all mingle perfectly with the tangy, creamy dressing and al dente pasta. It’s like enjoying your favorite sandwich in every bite of a cool, refreshing salad.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving — approx. based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 18g

Conclusion

The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a creative, delicious, and satisfying dish that brings together all the flavors of a deli favorite with the fun, cool comfort of a pasta salad. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weekdays, offering a balance of protein, crunch, and creaminess in every bite.

Recommendation

Serve this salad chilled, alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as the star of your next potluck table. For an extra fresh touch, pair it with lemonade, iced tea, or a sparkling water infused with citrus.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While this salad is rich and hearty, you can easily make it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, use light mayo, and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach. Enjoy it in moderation as a fun, indulgent meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your craving for something nostalgic yet fresh.

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