Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Flavorful and Fresh Meal

Name: Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup diced cucumber; 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper; 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped; 0.5 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional); 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; to taste Salt and pepper; for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

by Harper on July 16, 2025

Looking for a fresh and tasty meal that’s easy to whip up? The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is just what you need! This fun twist on a classic sandwich combines pasta, veggies, and savory flavors in one bowl. Whether you’re planning lunch, a picnic, or a potluck, this dish is a hit with everyone. Let’s get started on this quick and delicious recipe that will impress your friends and family!

$- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup diced cucumber - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional) - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You will need a large pot for boiling pasta. A colander is great for draining the pasta. Use a big mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients. A small bowl for mixing the dressing is also needed. Finally, have some plastic wrap or a lid handy for chilling the salad. Freshness is key for this salad. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and firm cucumbers. If you want to change things, swap chicken for turkey or use chickpeas for protein. You can also try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Remember, fresh parsley adds a nice touch. It brightens up the dish and gives it color. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s tender, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta firm. Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Then, mix in 1 cup of diced chicken breast, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of diced cucumber. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. If you love bacon, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon. Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to stir gently so everything blends well. In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad a rich flavor. Pour the dressing over the pasta and salad mix. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Make sure each bite is full of flavor. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend nicely. When you’re ready to serve, stir the salad again, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy this fresh meal! To make the best club sandwich pasta salad, cook your rotini pasta just right. Follow the package instructions but taste it a minute early. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. A cold pasta salad tastes fresher. Next, mix in diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. These add crunch and color. Don't forget the bacon if you want that savory touch. The cheese adds creaminess, too. Serve your pasta salad cold. This makes it refreshing, especially on warm days. Use a big bowl when serving. Guests can help themselves easily. You can also serve it in smaller bowls for individual portions. This looks nice and is easy to grab. Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. For gatherings, this pasta salad is a hit. It looks great and tastes even better. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of green. It makes your salad look fresh and inviting. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes on top. This adds color and makes it more fun. For some extra crunch, try adding crushed crackers or crispy onions. These toppings give your salad a little extra surprise in every bite. Don't be shy to get creative with garnishes! They add both flavor and a pretty touch to your dish. Pro Tips Use chilled ingredients: Make sure your chicken and vegetables are chilled before mixing to keep the salad refreshingly cool. Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers or radishes, for a unique twist. Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier version that still tastes creamy and delicious. Flavor enhancement: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this pasta salad. Just swap the chicken and bacon for plant-based options. Use diced firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots for crunch. This salad still gives you that club sandwich vibe without meat. If you need a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free rotini. Many brands offer great pasta made from rice or corn. You can also add gluten-free deli meats like turkey or ham. Just check the labels to be sure. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors without the gluten. You can change the flavor with different dressings. Try ranch or Greek dressing for a twist. A light vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice can add freshness. You can also mix in some pesto for a herby kick. Each dressing gives a unique taste to your salad. To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. You can use glass or plastic containers. Avoid using aluminum foil, as it may not keep the salad fresh. I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. The mayonnaise and fresh veggies do not freeze well. If you freeze it, the texture may change. This can make the salad watery when thawed. It's best to enjoy it fresh. In the fridge, this salad lasts about three to four days. Make sure to keep it covered. After that, the veggies may lose crunch. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s time to toss it. Always check before you eat! Yes, you can use different types of pasta! Rotini works well, but you could try penne, fusilli, or bowties. Each shape holds the dressing differently. Choose what you like best. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and let it cool. This pasta salad is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. It tastes even better after a day, as the flavors blend together. Just keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to avoid mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt. It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. You can also use avocado for a rich flavor. For a lighter option, mix sour cream with a bit of lemon juice. Each choice adds a unique taste to your pasta salad. This blog post guides you through making a tasty pasta salad. We covered essential ingredients and cooking tools. You learned simple steps for preparation and mixing. Tips helped improve your dish, while variations sparked creativity. Storage info ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this salad. It’s easy, fun, and full of flavor!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful Ingredients: Combining juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and crispy bacon (if desired) creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Make-Ahead Meal: This salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and making meal prep a breeze.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or to cater to dietary preferences, making it a flexible dish.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 8 oz rotini pasta

– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup diced cucumber

– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)

– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise

– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Equipment Needed

You will need a large pot for boiling pasta. A colander is great for draining the pasta. Use a big mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients. A small bowl for mixing the dressing is also needed. Finally, have some plastic wrap or a lid handy for chilling the salad.

Ingredient Notes

Freshness is key for this salad. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and firm cucumbers. If you want to change things, swap chicken for turkey or use chickpeas for protein. You can also try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Remember, fresh parsley adds a nice touch. It brightens up the dish and gives it color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s tender, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta firm.

Mixing the Salad Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Then, mix in 1 cup of diced chicken breast, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of diced cucumber. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. If you love bacon, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon. Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to stir gently so everything blends well.

Making the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad a rich flavor.

Combining Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the pasta and salad mix. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Make sure each bite is full of flavor. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Chilling Time

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend nicely. When you’re ready to serve, stir the salad again, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy this fresh meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Your Pasta Salad

To make the best club sandwich pasta salad, cook your rotini pasta just right. Follow the package instructions but taste it a minute early. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. A cold pasta salad tastes fresher. Next, mix in diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. These add crunch and color. Don’t forget the bacon if you want that savory touch. The cheese adds creaminess, too.

Best Serving Suggestions

Serve your pasta salad cold. This makes it refreshing, especially on warm days. Use a big bowl when serving. Guests can help themselves easily. You can also serve it in smaller bowls for individual portions. This looks nice and is easy to grab. Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. For gatherings, this pasta salad is a hit. It looks great and tastes even better.

Recommended Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of green. It makes your salad look fresh and inviting. You can also add extra cherry tomatoes on top. This adds color and makes it more fun. For some extra crunch, try adding crushed crackers or crispy onions. These toppings give your salad a little extra surprise in every bite. Don’t be shy to get creative with garnishes! They add both flavor and a pretty touch to your dish.

Pro Tips

Use chilled ingredients: Make sure your chicken and vegetables are chilled before mixing to keep the salad refreshingly cool.
Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers or radishes, for a unique twist.
Make it lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier version that still tastes creamy and delicious.
Flavor enhancement: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully.

Variations

Vegetarian Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this pasta salad. Just swap the chicken and bacon for plant-based options. Use diced firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. Add extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots for crunch. This salad still gives you that club sandwich vibe without meat.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free rotini. Many brands offer great pasta made from rice or corn. You can also add gluten-free deli meats like turkey or ham. Just check the labels to be sure. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors without the gluten.

Different Dressings to Try

You can change the flavor with different dressings. Try ranch or Greek dressing for a twist. A light vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice can add freshness. You can also mix in some pesto for a herby kick. Each dressing gives a unique taste to your salad.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. You can use glass or plastic containers. Avoid using aluminum foil, as it may not keep the salad fresh.

Freezing Instructions

I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. The mayonnaise and fresh veggies do not freeze well. If you freeze it, the texture may change. This can make the salad watery when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Shelf Life in the Refrigerator

In the fridge, this salad lasts about three to four days. Make sure to keep it covered. After that, the veggies may lose crunch. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s time to toss it. Always check before you eat!

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta! Rotini works well, but you could try penne, fusilli, or bowties. Each shape holds the dressing differently. Choose what you like best. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and let it cool.

Is this pasta salad suitable for meal prep?

This pasta salad is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. It tastes even better after a day, as the flavors blend together. Just keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you want to avoid mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt. It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. You can also use avocado for a rich flavor. For a lighter option, mix sour cream with a bit of lemon juice. Each choice adds a unique taste to your pasta salad.

This blog post guides you through making a tasty pasta salad. We covered essential ingredients and cooking tools. You learned simple steps for preparation and mixing. Tips helped improve your dish, while variations sparked creativity. Storage info ensures your leftovers stay fresh.

Enjoy experimenting with this salad. It’s easy, fun, and full of flavo

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

A delicious and hearty pasta salad inspired by the classic club sandwich, packed with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
0.5 cup diced red bell pepper
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, bacon (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve chilled.

Notes

Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, pasta salad