Creamy Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: A Hearty Flavor Adventure

Discover the delicious blend of flavors in this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, perfect for lunch or picnics.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base

3 cups cooked rotini or penne whole wheat pasta can be a healthier substitute
1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed opt for rotisserie chicken for ease

For the Crunchy Elements

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled swap with turkey bacon for a lighter option
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved diced bell peppers can be a great alternative
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced rinsing it under cold water can mellow the flavor
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped spinach can be a great substitute

For the Creamy Dressing

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese feta is a tangier option
1/2 cup mayonnaise using Greek yogurt makes it a lighter choice
1/4 cup sour cream additional mayo or yogurt can be used if preferred
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard yellow mustard works as an alternative
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar white vinegar can be swapped out
to taste salt and black pepper adjust according to your liking

For the Final Touches

1/2 cup toasted bread or cubed croutons omit for a gluten-free version
Optional Garnish chopped fresh parsley or chives

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
whisk
large spoon or spatula

Method

Steps

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of cooked rotini or penne pasta, 1 cup of cubed cooked chicken, and 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon. Incorporate 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and gently toss.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss again until evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix.
Fold in 1/2 cup of toasted bread cubes or croutons just before serving.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for better flavor integration. Cook pasta al dente and mix gently to preserve ingredient integrity.

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