If you’ve ever wished your club sandwich and pasta salad could combine forces into one crave-worthy dish—this is it. Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes all the flavors you love from a classic deli sandwich and folds them into a creamy, satisfying cold pasta salad. It’s smoky, savory, crunchy, tangy, and totally addictive.
Sandwich Pasta Salad – Easy & Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty sandwich-inspired pasta salad packed with deli meats, cheese, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a flavorful side or light meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup ham, diced
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, olives, cheese, salami, ham, and pepperoni.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (except pasta boiling)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for the Ultimate Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
One of the best things about Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is that it uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients—yet it tastes like something you’d get from a gourmet deli. Let’s break down what goes into this flavor-packed salad.
Essential Ingredients
- Pasta – Rotini, bowtie, or penne are perfect because their shapes hold dressing well. Cook them just until al dente and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Cooked chicken – Tender, diced chicken breast gives that hearty, club-style bite. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken too.
- Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon brings smoky crunch that’s absolutely non-negotiable in any club-inspired recipe.
- Cheddar cheese – Go for sharp cheddar, cubed or shredded. Swiss also works great for that classic sandwich feel.
- Cherry tomatoes – Halved for juiciness and color. Grape tomatoes work too!
- Lettuce – Shredded iceberg or romaine adds freshness and crunch.
- Red onion – Diced finely for just a touch of sharpness.
Optional But Awesome Add-Ins
- Diced avocado
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Sliced pickles or cucumbers
- Cubed ham or turkey instead of chicken
Curious whether pasta is a healthy base? Check out this breakdown of pasta nutrition to make smarter swaps if needed.
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad – Step by Step
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious—it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together once everything is prepped.
Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until just al dente—don’t overcook! Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and chill the noodles.
Prep the Proteins and Veggies
While the pasta cools, cook your bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble it. Dice your cooked chicken (or ham or turkey), and prep the veggies: halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and finely dice red onion.
Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together about ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or pickle juice for tang. Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you want a lighter twist.
Combine Everything
Toss the pasta, proteins, veggies, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl until fully coated. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors mingle.
Pro tip: Add lettuce right before serving to keep it from wilting!
There you go—fresh, flavorful, and picnic-ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations of Club Sandwich Pasta Salad to Try
The beauty of Club Sandwich Pasta Salad lies in its flexibility. You can make it bold, spicy, light, or fully loaded—whatever suits your style (or your pantry). Here are some delicious ways to switch things up!
Ranch Club Pasta Salad
Swap the traditional mayo dressing for creamy ranch dressing to give it a cool, tangy twist. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike and works beautifully with bacon and cheddar.
Spicy Kick Version
Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy mustard to the dressing. It adds a zingy heat that pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the salad.
Avocado Club Style
Diced ripe avocado adds creamy richness and a pop of color. You can even mash some into the dressing for a healthier, mayo-free alternative.
Deli-Inspired Twist
Mix in chopped dill pickles, green onions, or a spoonful of yellow mustard for a zingy, deli-counter vibe. This gives your pasta salad that sandwich-shop punch.
Veggie-Heavy Remix
Want to go lighter? Toss in cucumbers, spinach, or bell peppers for added crunch, fiber, and freshness—great for a picnic-friendly cold pasta salad.
There’s no wrong way to club this salad up. Just toss, taste, and tweak.
Tools and Equipment for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
You don’t need a fully decked-out kitchen to make a killer Club Sandwich Pasta Salad. Just a few basic tools will get the job done quickly—and make cleanup a breeze.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools
- Large pot – For boiling pasta. Go big so the pasta doesn’t stick together while cooking.
- Colander – Helps you drain and rinse pasta quickly without losing any down the sink.
- Cutting board + sharp knife – You’ll need these to dice your veggies, cube the chicken, and slice crispy bacon cleanly.
- Large mixing bowl – Essential for tossing everything together without making a mess.
- Measuring cups/spoons – Useful for portioning mayo, mustard, seasonings, or dressing add-ins.
- Whisk or small bowl – Perfect for blending your homemade dressing ingredients.
Want your pasta perfectly al dente every time? Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking pasta right that’ll help you nail the base of your salad.
Optional Tools
- Salad spinner – If you’re adding fresh lettuce or spinach, it’s great for drying greens fast.
- Storage containers – Ideal for meal prepping or storing leftovers for a quick lunch later in the week.
With just these simple tools, you’ll have a creamy club-style pasta salad on the table in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Got questions about making Club Sandwich Pasta Salad? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common questions people ask—along with simple, practical answers.
Can I use ham instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ham works just as well, and so does turkey. The salad is super flexible, so you can swap proteins based on what’s in your fridge.
How far in advance can I make pasta salad?
You can make this pasta salad up to 24 hours ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
Should pasta salad be served cold?
Yes! Cold pasta salads are best enjoyed chilled. Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving so the flavors meld together.
Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?
For sure. While homemade dressing tastes fresher, a good-quality ranch or creamy Italian dressing can save time and still taste amazing.
How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?
Cook pasta just until al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Also, avoid adding too much dressing all at once—start light and add more if needed.
What’s the best pasta for cold salads?
Short shapes like rotini, bowtie, or penne are perfect. They hold onto the dressing and mix-ins without falling apart
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