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- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup diced cucumber - 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional) - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The pasta forms the base of the dish. Use 8 ounces of rotini pasta. This amount serves about six people. You will need one cup of cooked chicken breast cut into small pieces. For crunch and freshness, add one cup of cherry tomatoes and one cup of diced cucumber. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper for color. The red onion adds a nice bite, so use 1/4 cup of it, finely chopped. If you want a smoky flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon. For richness, use 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The dressing needs 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, along with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. You can swap out the chicken for turkey or ham if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas or grilled tofu instead of meat. If you want extra flavor, try adding olives or avocado. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you don’t have rotini, any pasta shape works well in this salad. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with other tasty ingredients. Add 1 cup of diced cooked chicken, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. If you like bacon, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon. Finally, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to fit your taste. Whisk the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mix. Gently stir everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. This step is key for a tasty salad. Now it's time to taste your salad. Take a small spoonful and see if it needs more salt or pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed. A little tweak can make a big difference! Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps all the flavors blend together. Plus, it tastes great cold! Before serving, give the salad a good stir. For a nice touch, add some fresh chopped parsley on top. You can serve it in a big bowl or individual portions. For fun, add extra cherry tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist. Enjoy the flavors! To make the best pasta salad, start with quality pasta. I prefer rotini because its shape holds the dressing well. Cook it just until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Mix your other ingredients while the pasta cools. Fresh veggies add crunch and flavor. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best taste. To boost flavor, don’t skip the dressing. A mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard adds creaminess and tang. Add apple cider vinegar for a zesty kick. Season well with salt and pepper. Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed. Fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness. If you like spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your pasta salad fresh. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to make this salad ahead, store the dressing separately. Combine it just before serving to prevent sogginess. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Enjoy your delicious club sandwich pasta salad even after the first meal! Pro Tips Cooking Pasta: Be sure to cook the rotini pasta until it's al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture while cooling and marinating in the salad. Cooling the Pasta: Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice to the dressing. Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, swap out the chicken and bacon. You can use extra veggies instead. Try adding more cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and even avocado for creaminess. Chickpeas are another great choice for protein. They add a nice texture and boost the salad's nutrition. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives. You can still enjoy all the other ingredients as is. Just make sure the mayonnaise and any other dressings are also gluten-free. This way, you keep all the flavors without any worries. While the classic dressing is tasty, you can mix it up! Instead of mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Combine it with lemon juice and fresh herbs for a zesty kick. You can also try a vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This gives a fresh taste and brightens up the salad. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each dressing adds a new layer of flavor. Store your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to place it in the coldest part of your fridge. This helps keep the flavors intact and the ingredients crisp. Freezing this pasta salad is not ideal. The texture of the pasta and fresh veggies changes when frozen. If you must freeze it, separate the dressing and salad. Freeze only the pasta and chicken. Use it within a month for best taste. Each ingredient has its own shelf life. Here’s a quick guide: - Rotini pasta: Lasts up to two years in a dry place. - Cooked chicken: Safe for three to four days in the fridge. - Cherry tomatoes: Best used within a week for freshness. - Cucumber: Stays good for about a week. - Red bell pepper: Can last up to a week in the fridge. - Red onion: Good for two weeks when stored properly. - Bacon: Keep for about a week once cooked and stored. - Cheddar cheese: Stays fresh for about a week. - Mayonnaise: Lasts for a month after opening if refrigerated. - Dijon mustard: Can last for a year in the fridge. Knowing the shelf life helps you use fresh ingredients. This ensures a tasty pasta salad every time. Rotini pasta works best for this salad. Its shape holds onto the dressing and toppings well. You can also use fusilli or penne if you prefer. Both of these shapes will add a nice texture. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. Prepare it a few hours before serving and let it sit in the fridge. The flavors will blend nicely together. To make this salad healthier, you can cut back on the mayonnaise. Use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter option. Add more veggies, like spinach or carrots, to boost fiber and nutrients. You can also skip the bacon to reduce fat. If you want to avoid mayonnaise, try using Greek yogurt or avocado. Both options add creaminess without the heaviness. You can also mix in a vinaigrette for a tangy twist. This blog post covered how to make a tasty pasta salad. You learned about the right ingredients and the step-by-step cooking guide. I shared tips for great flavor and safe storage. You also discovered fun variations to suit your taste. Remember, pasta salad is adaptable. Use the ideas shared to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

A delicious and hearty pasta salad inspired by the classic club sandwich, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  • Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, cooked bacon (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Prepare dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  • Mix salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the pasta salad ingredients and gently mix until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  • Taste and adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve chilled.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or individual portions, garnished with extra cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
Keyword bacon, chicken, easy recipe, pasta salad