If you love the bold, satisfying flavors of a classic club sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy chicken or turkey, fresh lettuce, cheese, and tomato—then this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession. It transforms everything you adore about a deli-style club sandwich into a refreshing, hearty, and creamy pasta salad that works for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, planning a picnic, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy to customize, packs beautifully for meal prep, and tastes even better after chilling. Let’s dive into this delicious fusion dish!
Why You’ll Love This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
✓ All the flavors of a classic club sandwich
Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and chicken blended into one satisfying bowl.
✓ Perfect for gatherings
Feeds a crowd and pairs with almost anything.
✓ Great make-ahead dish
The flavors deepen as the salad chills.
✓ Customizable
Use chicken, turkey, ham, or a mix—whatever you have on hand.
✓ Quick and easy
Ready in 25–30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 10–12 oz cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or small shells)
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken or turkey, diced
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional for crunch)
- ½ cup diced ham (optional, for a full deli-style combo)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the cooked chicken or turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
Set aside.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream (or yogurt)
- Dijon mustard
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Honey
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add cooled pasta
- Add chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions, and any optional ingredients
Pour the dressing over the top.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serve cold, topped with extra bacon or shredded lettuce if desired.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Use cooled pasta
Warm pasta will melt the dressing—cool completely first.
Add lettuce before serving
If making ahead for hours, stir the lettuce in just before serving so it stays crisp.
Cook the bacon crispy
It adds the perfect crunch and smoky flavor.
Taste and adjust the seasoning
After chilling, add a bit more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.
Make it lighter
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo.
Variations to Try
1. Ranch Club Pasta Salad
Replace the dressing with creamy ranch dressing plus a spoon of mayo.
2. Spicy Club Version
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle powder.
3. Avocado Club Pasta Salad
Add diced avocado (just before serving to prevent browning).
4. Vegetarian Club Pasta Salad
Skip the chicken and bacon—use chickpeas or boiled eggs instead.
5. Italian Club Pasta Salad
Add olives, salami, and provolone instead of cheddar.
What to Serve With Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- BBQ ribs
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Fresh fruit platters
- Garlic bread
It’s ideal for:
- Picnics
- Potlucks
- BBQs
- School lunches
- Meal prep
How to Store Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add lettuce right before serving to prevent wilting.
- If the salad dries out, refresh with a tablespoon of mayo or vinegar.
Printable Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 10–12 oz pasta
- 1½ cups cooked chicken or turkey
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- ½ cup red onion
- Optional extras: ham, cucumber
Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream or yogurt
- 2 tbsp Dijon
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Cook and cool pasta.
- Chop meat, cheese, and vegetables.
- Whisk dressing ingredients.
- Combine pasta, meats, veggies, and dressing.
- Chill 30 minutes; serve cold.
Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Favorite
Ingredients
• 8 oz rotini, penne, or fusilli (or gluten-free pasta)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional, for tang)
• 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, turkey, bacon, celery, tomatoes, red onion, and cheese (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve cold.
✨ Great for:
• Picnics and potlucks
• Meal prep lunches
• A hearty side dish
💡 Make ahead: Stores well in the fridge up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 10 mins , Total Time : 1 hr 25 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 4 , Calories : 420 per serving , Net Carbs: 34g , Fats: 24g , Protein: 22g