Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A delightful twist on the classic club sandwich, this pasta salad combines all the favorite flavors in a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering.

Eleanor Briggs

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-23T01:57:37.735Z

This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fresh and fun take on the traditional club sandwich. It's loaded with pasta, turkey, ham, and crispy bacon, tossed in a creamy dressing for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for potlucks or summer picnics.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • All the classic flavors of a club sandwich in a pasta salad format.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings.

A Unique Twist on a Classic

The Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes all the beloved ingredients of a traditional club sandwich and transforms them into a delightful pasta dish. This recipe captures the essence of the classic sandwich while offering a refreshing and satisfying twist. By mixing pasta with turkey, ham, bacon, and fresh vegetables, you create a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any gathering.

This pasta salad is versatile and can be served warm or chilled, allowing you to enjoy it in various ways. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a picnic, or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures brings a new level of enjoyment to the table, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is its suitability for meal prep. This dish stores well in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. By making a large batch, you can easily pack it for lunches or serve it at family gatherings, ensuring that you always have a delicious and nutritious option on hand.

To enhance the salad's flavors, consider letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving. This resting period allows the dressing to meld with the ingredients, creating a more robust flavor profile. You can also customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a flexible recipe that can adapt to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, presentation is key. Serve it in a large bowl to showcase its vibrant colors and textures, or portion it into individual servings for a more elegant touch. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal that is both satisfying and refreshing.

This pasta salad can also be a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or other main courses. Its creamy dressing and hearty ingredients complement a variety of flavors, making it a versatile addition to any menu. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meal at home, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
  • 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients well in a large bowl.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, turkey, ham, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

Add Dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a success, be sure to cook the pasta until it's al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture, which is essential for a pasta salad. Rinse the pasta under cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process and help it retain its firmness.

When preparing the vegetables, try to chop them into similar sizes for even distribution throughout the salad. This not only improves the overall appearance but also ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, so don’t skip this important ingredient!

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or use a low-fat mayonnaise. You can also swap turkey and ham for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even beans for a vegetarian option.

If you're a fan of different flavors, consider adding ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or olives to enhance the taste and texture of your pasta salad. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to make it uniquely yours while still retaining the classic essence of a club sandwich.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

A delightful twist on the classic club sandwich, this pasta salad combines all the favorite flavors in a refreshing dish perfect for any gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Eleanor Briggs

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta Salad

  1. 8 oz elbow macaroni
  2. 1 cup cooked turkey, diced
  3. 1 cup cooked ham, diced
  4. 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  5. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  6. 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  7. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  8. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  9. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

  1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  2. 1/4 cup sour cream
  3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, turkey, ham, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese.

Step 04

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 05

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 15g