Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is a twist on the beloved club sandwich, transforming all the best elements into a cold, creamy salad. The rotini pasta creates a perfect base for the dressing, capturing its rich flavor in every bite. Tender chicken, smoky beef, and crunchy romaine lettuce offer a satisfying balance of textures, while sharp cheddar and fresh tomatoes round out the flavor profile. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and apple cider vinegar, adds just the right amount of tang to tie everything together.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Add in turkey, mix in avocado, or even toss in some crunchy croutons or pickles for extra flavor. Plus, it's a great make-ahead option for busy days or warm-weather gatherings!

Ingredients

• 3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

• 4 strips cooked beef, crumbled

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

• ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken breast, crumbled beef, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, and red onion.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Chilling Time: 1 hour

Storage/Reheating

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Since the ingredients are cold and the salad is creamy, there is no need to reheat it. Just serve it chilled directly from the fridge!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, feel free to swap out rotini for any other type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente and cool it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! If you prefer turkey or ham over beef, both would work well in this recipe. You can also skip the beef and add more chicken for a lighter option.

3. How can I make this salad vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives. You can also increase the cheese or add some hard-boiled eggs for additional protein.

4. Can I prepare this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight) will enhance the flavors. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

5. Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise and cheese alternative. You can also skip the cheddar cheese and opt for a plant-based cheese instead.

6. What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or honey mustard can be used as alternatives. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they will still work well in the dressing.

8. Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad as the creamy dressing may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

9. What can I serve with this pasta salad?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side to BBQ dishes. It also makes a great lunch or light dinner on its own.

10. Can I adjust the dressing for a lighter version?

Yes! To make a lighter version of the dressing, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt, and use light mayonnaise or a reduced-fat version of your favorite creamy dressing.

Conclusion

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that brings together all the classic flavors of a club sandwich in a fun, chilled pasta salad form. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or a simple yet flavorful lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s highly customizable, making it easy to tweak to your preferences. Try it out, and it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

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A creamy, flavorful pasta salad that brings together the classic ingredients of a club sandwich. It includes rotini pasta, chicken, beef, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

1½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

4 strips cooked beef, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

¼ cup red onion, finely diced

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken breast, crumbled beef, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, sharp cheddar cheese, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• This salad is perfect for potlucks, summer meals, or easy lunches.
• Customize with extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers, or swap meats like turkey or ham.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free mayonnaise and plant-based cheese.
• Bacon can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
• Best served chilled and can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 45mg