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- Pasta: I recommend using penne or rotini. These shapes hold the dressing well. - Proteins: You can use cooked chicken and crispy bacon. Turkey bacon works great too! - Fresh Vegetables: Use cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. These add color and crunch. - Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives a rich flavor. Use about half a cup for best taste. - Dressing Components: The dressing needs mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ranch dressing, and lemon juice. These create a creamy, tangy mix. This combination of ingredients makes the club sandwich pasta salad easy and flavorful. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through every step. Enjoy your cooking! To make your pasta just right, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This helps the pasta have flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of penne or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. Make sure to shake off any extra water. Now, let’s mix everything together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken and 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon. You can use turkey bacon if you prefer. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For even mixing, add the ingredients in this order: pasta first, then proteins, followed by the veggies and cheese. This helps distribute everything well. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the dressing ratio based on your taste. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice or mustard. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently. Make sure every piece is coated well. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad taste great, focus on seasoning. Use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth. Always taste your salad before serving. This helps you adjust the flavors to your liking. Letting the salad chill is key. It allows the flavors to mix and develop. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have time, chill it longer for an even better taste. For gatherings, get creative with your serving. Use a large, clear bowl to show off the colorful salad. You can also serve individual portions in small cups for a fun touch. Adding fresh parsley on top gives a nice pop of color. Try adding some crackers or breadsticks on the side. They pair well with the creamy texture of the salad. This adds a crunch that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize your salad for dietary needs. If you want a vegetarian option, swap out chicken and bacon for chickpeas or more veggies. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if needed. For extra variety, think about toppings. Add sliced olives, bell peppers, or even avocado. These mix-ins can change the flavor and make each bite unique. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad to match your taste. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or black beans. These add a nice texture and protein boost. You can also use grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a fresh twist. If you prefer meat, turkey is a great choice. It has a milder flavor than chicken but still offers that savory kick. Ham is another option, bringing a different taste to the salad. You can even mix and match proteins. Combining chicken, turkey, and bacon can create a hearty delight. The type of pasta you choose can change the whole dish. I love using penne or rotini because they hold the dressing well. But you can also try fusilli or farfalle for a fun look. For a healthier option, whole grain pasta adds more fiber. If you're gluten-free, use rice or quinoa pasta. These work well and keep the dish light. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions for the best texture. While the dressing in the Full Recipe is creamy and tasty, you can switch it up anytime. A light vinaigrette can add a fresh zing. Mix olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of mustard for a simple dressing. To enhance flavors, add fresh herbs like basil or dill. Spices like paprika or garlic powder can also give the salad a nice kick. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect mix! To keep your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work great. They help keep the salad cold and prevent spills. You can also use plastic containers if they seal well. Store the salad in the fridge right after serving. This helps keep it safe to eat. Your pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After this time, it may not taste as good. Signs your salad has gone bad include a sour smell or a change in color. If you see mold or the salad looks slimy, it is best to throw it away. If you want to enjoy the salad warm, heat it gently. Use a microwave on low power to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of dressing to keep it moist. If you prefer it cold, chill it in the fridge before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. I usually prepare it the day before a picnic or party. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. You can keep this pasta salad in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure it's in a sealed container. If it starts to smell off or looks funny, it’s best to toss it. Absolutely! You can try other dressings like Italian or a simple vinaigrette. Each dressing will give the salad a different taste. I love using a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh twist. This salad pairs well with fresh fruit, garlic bread, or a light soup. You can also serve it with veggie sticks and dip for a crunchy side. Choose sides that complement the flavors in the salad. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. You can portion it out into containers for easy lunches. Just remember to store the dressing separately if you want it extra fresh. Check the full recipe for guidance on making this delicious dish! The blog post covered how to create a tasty Club Sandwich Pasta Salad. You learned about the right ingredients, like types of pasta, proteins, and veggies. We explored steps for cooking the pasta and mixing in the flavors. I shared tips to enhance taste and make the dish visually appealing. Remember, there are many ways to customize your salad to fit your needs. Enjoy making this dish for yourself or a group. Happy cooking!

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Try this delicious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad for your next gathering! Featuring juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, this easy recipe blends all the flavors you love in a traditional club sandwich. Ready in under 45 minutes, it's perfect for warm days or meal prep. Dive into creamy goodness and vibrant colors that are sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

1 cup cooked chicken, diced

1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (or turkey bacon)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

      In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

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

          Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

            Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, clear bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and add extra parsley on top for a pop of color.