Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Delight

$- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced - 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for a garnish The ingredients for this dish come together in a way that’s truly satisfying. Each one plays a role. For the pasta, I use rotini. Its twirls hold on to the dressing and flavors well. The chicken adds protein, while the bacon bits give a nice crunch. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber provide freshness. Cheddar cheese adds richness, and red onion gives a sharp bite. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, ties it all together. Don't forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. Lastly, the parsley not only looks pretty but also brightens each bite. This mix is what makes the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad so tasty. You can see how each ingredient fits into the overall flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic club sandwich in a new form. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, cook 8 oz of rotini pasta. Follow the package directions for the best results. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools the pasta down and stops the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rotini, 1 cup of diced chicken breast, and 1/2 cup of cooked bacon bits. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of peeled and diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients. This step helps spread the flavors evenly throughout the salad. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of creamy mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the dressing is smooth and well blended. Drizzle this creamy dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together. This keeps each bite deliciously coated. After mixing, taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even tastier. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. For an attractive display, consider serving the salad in a large bowl or in individual jars. You can also add a slice of tomato or a sprig of parsley on top of each serving for extra flair. To keep your pasta from becoming mushy, cook it al dente. This means the pasta should be firm when bitten. Follow the package instructions closely for timing. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. Rinsing also helps remove extra starch, which can make pasta stick together. You can easily customize this pasta salad. If you want a lighter option, substitute bacon with turkey bacon. You can also go vegetarian by adding chickpeas or avocado. Feel free to load it up with your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can bring a nice touch and extra flavor. If you want a healthier dressing, consider yogurt-based options. Using Greek yogurt can cut down on calories while still tasting great. You can mix yogurt with Dijon mustard and lemon juice for a tasty twist. This adds creaminess without all the fat of mayonnaise. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your rotini is cooked al dente for a perfect texture that holds up in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor. Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes enhance the salad’s crunch and brightness. Chill for Flavor: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap out the chicken for leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based option for a different twist on this classic salad. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat in this salad. If you want a different taste, use turkey instead of chicken. Ham is also a tasty choice. For a meatless salad, try adding chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and texture without meat. Either way, you get great flavor! Cheese can change the whole dish. Try using feta for a tangy kick or mozzarella for a creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan cheese works well. It melts and blends nicely, making your salad rich and satisfying. Adding spices or herbs boosts the flavor. Paprika can add warmth, while dill brings a fresh taste. You can also add fruits like apples or grapes. They add a sweet crunch that contrasts with the savory ingredients. This mix makes every bite exciting and new! Store leftover pasta salad in the fridge. Use a tight container to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal it well to prevent air exposure. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Can you freeze Club Sandwich Pasta Salad? Yes, you can freeze it, but it may change texture. To freeze, place the salad in an airtight container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the salad safe and fresh. To refresh the salad after refrigeration, stir it well. If it feels dry, add a bit of mayo or dressing. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice for extra zing. Taste before serving to ensure it’s just right. Adjust seasoning if needed, and enjoy! Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is packed with nutrients. The rotini pasta gives you carbs for energy. Chicken breast adds protein, which helps build muscle. Bacon bits offer flavor and some healthy fats. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provide vitamins and hydration. Cheddar cheese gives calcium for strong bones. Overall, this salad is a balanced meal. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. I suggest preparing it a few hours or the night before. Just remember to cover it well. This keeps it fresh and tasty until you’re ready to serve. This salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If it looks or smells off, don’t eat it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. I do not recommend leaving this salad out for longer than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly in warm temperatures. If it's a hot day, keep the salad chilled until serving. Use ice packs if you take it on a picnic. Absolutely! You can change the dressing to fit your taste. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. Add herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor. The key is to keep it creamy and tasty! This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Club Sandwich Pasta Salad. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your salad. You can also customize the recipe to fit your taste. Remember, a well-made pasta salad can impress any crowd. Try out the variations and share this delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking!$

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Delight

A delicious pasta salad inspired by the classic club sandwich, featuring rotini pasta, chicken, bacon, and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
0.5 cup cooked bacon bits
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup creamy mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Aim for an al dente texture, then drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini, diced chicken, bacon bits, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped red onion, mixing them gently to combine.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning, if desired, by adding more salt or pepper.
Cover the prepared pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Just before serving, sprinkle the pasta salad with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and enhance presentation.

Notes

For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a large decorative bowl or portion it into individual mason jars for a fun, portable option.

Keyword chicken salad, club sandwich, pasta salad