This Easy Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic! It mixes pasta with tasty chunks of turkey, ham, cheese, and fresh veggies, all dressed in a creamy dressing.
Honestly, what’s better than eating a sandwich in salad form? I love how quick it is to whip up, and it’s perfect for picnics! Just toss it all together, and you’re good to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini for its shape, which holds the dressing and other ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like macaroni, fusilli, or bow-tie can work. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for perfect results.
Turkey and Ham: Leftover turkey or ham from previous meals is perfect here! You can also use deli meats for convenience. If you’re going vegetarian, chickpeas or a veggie pizza topping blend can be delicious alternatives.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness. However, feel free to swap it with mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. Go vegan by using dairy-free cheese or simply omitting it!
Dressing: The mix of mayo and sour cream keeps it creamy. If you’re watching calories, consider Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute or a vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Flavorful?
Flavorful pasta salad relies on combining the right ingredients and seasoning. After cooking your pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from getting gummy. This step also helps it stay cool when adding other ingredients.
- Mix the cold pasta with your meats, cheese, and veggies before adding the dressing.
- Taste the dressing before pouring it over. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. You want it to be seasoned well!
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows flavors to blend together beautifully!
Easy Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Proteins:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini or spiral pasta
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh lettuce leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad will take you about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 50 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, grab a pot and boil some water. Once it’s bubbling, add in the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (still a bit firm when bitten!). After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Drain it well, and set it aside.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, diced turkey, diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. It’s a colorful mix!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. It should be creamy and delicious!
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated in that tasty dressing. Be careful not to mush the ingredients too much; we want to keep those lovely textures!
5. Chilling Out:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will let all the flavors blend together beautifully.
6. Serving It Up:
When you’re ready to serve, you can either toss in some chopped fresh lettuce or simply use it as a garnish on top for a fresh crunch. Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful flavors of a classic club sandwich in pasta form!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can swap it for any other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayo. You could also use avocado or a vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the creaminess of the salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken slightly with time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can make this salad vegan by omitting the meats and cheese. Substitute with chickpeas, diced avocado, and your favorite vegan cheese for a delicious plant-based version!