Turn a classic club sandwich into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad with this easy and delicious recipe! This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad brings together all the favorite flavors of a club sandwich—savory meats, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and creamy cheese—in a cool, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any summer cookout. With simple ingredients and a creamy ranch-based dressing, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
• Tri-color rotini pasta
• Cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• Tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes work well, but any juicy variety will do)
• Bacon, freshly cooked and crumbled, or real bacon bits for convenience
• Lettuce, chopped
• Ham slices, chopped
• Turkey slices, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Ranch seasoning
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, impressive enough for guests, and versatile—hearty enough to serve as either a side or a main dish. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which allows the flavors to blend even more! Many find it tastes even better the next day.
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water, then cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it completely. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the cheese, bacon, lettuce, ham, turkey, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning. Toss everything together until well combined.
3. Chill and Serve: Let the pasta salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. Add salt and black pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy!
Variations
• Add Chicken: For an extra-hearty salad, toss in cooked chicken—leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• Incorporate Veggies: To mix things up, add some green peppers, onions, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Bottled Ranch: For a shortcut, swap out the mayo and ranch seasoning with 1 cup of bottled Ranch dressing, adjusting to taste.
FAQ
Why is my pasta salad dry?
If your pasta salad seems dry, add more mayonnaise. Pasta can absorb moisture as it chills, so feel free to add a little more to achieve the desired consistency.
How should I store leftover pasta salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 2-3 days. The flavors only get better over time!
Top Tip
Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients—this helps keep the lettuce crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
Got more questions? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!