Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: club sandwich pasta salad! This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic club sandwich, combining all those irresistible flavors with the heartiness of pasta. It’s refreshing, filling, and perfect for those hot days when you want something delicious but don’t want to slave over a hot stove. I whip this up for family picnics, lazy barbecues, or even just a light weeknight dinner, and it never fails to impress!
The beauty of this club sandwich pasta salad lies in its simplicity. You’ve got tender elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies, all tossed together with a creamy dressing that brings it all to life. Trust me, the first bite is like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Plus, you can easily customize it with whatever you have on hand – talk about modern convenience! I’m always amazed at how quickly it comes together, making it a staple in my kitchen. So, let’s dive in and get you started on making this vibrant dish!
Ingredients for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Getting the ingredients right is key to making the best club sandwich pasta salad! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – This is your pasta base, so make sure to grab a good quality brand. Cook it until it’s al dente for the perfect bite!
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped – I like to use crispy bacon for that added crunch and smoky flavor. Don’t skimp on this one!
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced – Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving you time and adding great flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These add a burst of sweetness and color. I love using the multi-colored varieties for extra visual appeal!
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce – Adds freshness and a nice crunch. Use romaine or iceberg for that classic salad texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – This creamy base binds everything together beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Just a touch to elevate the flavor and add a little zing.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing all those delicious flavors together!
Remember, these ingredients are flexible! Feel free to toss in any additional veggies you enjoy for a personalized touch.
How to Prepare Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Now, let’s get to the fun part—putting this delicious club sandwich pasta salad together! I promise, it’s super simple and comes together in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying this refreshing dish in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook that elbow macaroni! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite, so don’t overdo it! After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help your salad stay fresh and crisp!
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, crispy bacon, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. I like to toss everything together gently so that the ingredients are evenly distributed, but be careful not to crush the tomatoes or lettuce. You want those vibrant colors and textures to shine through!
Preparing the Dressing
For the dressing, grab a small bowl and mix together the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy dressing is what ties everything together, so make sure it’s well combined before pouring it over your pasta mixture!
Chilling and Serving
Once you’ve tossed the dressing with the pasta salad, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Chilling for at least 30 minutes is a must! This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together and makes for a refreshing bite. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir and enjoy this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies creates a delightful flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients! Add in some cucumbers, bell peppers, or even swap out the chicken for turkey.
- Great for Meal Prep: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or leftovers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or just a light dinner at home, this dish fits right in!
Tips for Success
To ensure your club sandwich pasta salad comes out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the cooling step for your macaroni—it’s crucial for keeping the salad crisp and refreshing. If you’re short on time, using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, and it adds so much flavor!
Feel free to get creative with your veggies; chopped cucumbers or bell peppers add a nice crunch and color. Want a little kick? Try tossing in some diced pickles or jalapeños for a zesty twist. And if you’re a fan of herbs, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can elevate the dish to the next level!
Lastly, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to your liking, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Enjoy the process and get ready to impress!
Nutritional Information for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delightful club sandwich pasta salad packs a nutritious punch, making it a fantastic option for a light meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so feel free to adjust as you see fit. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic flavor combo while keeping things balanced and tasty!
FAQ About Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Got questions about this delicious club sandwich pasta salad? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries you might have:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad actually tastes even better after sitting for a while, as the flavors meld together beautifully. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken a bit while chilling.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you’d like to switch things up, feel free to use turkey, ham, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas! They all work well and add their own unique twist to the salad.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! I love tossing in some diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. You can also add avocado for creaminess or even some olives for a briny kick. The options are endless!
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
If you want to make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. It’s an easy swap, and you won’t sacrifice any flavor!
Print
Delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and hearty club sandwich pasta salad that combines the flavors of a classic club sandwich with pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, bacon, chicken, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Use leftover chicken for a quicker prep time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: club sandwich pasta salad