This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic club sandwich, transformed into a refreshing, flavor-packed summer dish. With tender pasta, crisp veggies, savory meats, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s bound to steal the spotlight at your next gathering! Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
A Taste of Summer
This pasta salad is a bright, colorful medley of fresh ingredients that scream summer. The cool crunch of lettuce, the smoky richness of bacon, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing come together beautifully in every bite.
Perfectly Balanced
With a mix of savory meats, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet tomatoes, this salad has a little something for everyone. Plus, the tri-color pasta adds an eye-catching pop of color!
Make-Ahead Magic
Planning a party? This recipe is perfect because it tastes even better when made ahead. Just refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld for ultimate deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz tri-color pasta: The base of the salad, providing vibrant color and a fun texture.
- 8 oz block of cheddar cheese: Cubed for rich, creamy bites throughout the salad.
- 1 tomato, diced: Adds a fresh and juicy burst of flavor.
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and chopped: Smoky and crispy, the ultimate flavor booster.
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped: Gives the salad that refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup ham, diced: A nod to the club sandwich’s classic layers.
- 1 cup turkey, diced: A protein-packed addition to complement the ham.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: The secret to that irresistible tangy, herby flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A colander for draining and rinsing the pasta
- A large mixing bowl
- A sharp knife for dicing veggies, cheese, and meats
- A whisk or spoon for mixing the dressing
How to Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually around 7–9 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Let it sit until fully cooled before transferring to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta cools, chop the cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, ham, turkey, and tomato into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the chopped cheese, bacon, lettuce, ham, turkey, and tomato to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour the ranch dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight, if possible). This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy!
What to Serve with Club Sandwich Pasta Salad
This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with these dishes:
- Grilled chicken for a protein-packed main.
- Garlic bread to complement the creamy salad.
- Iced tea or lemonade to keep things light and refreshing.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and won’t get mushy after mixing.
- Cool the pasta completely. Hot pasta can melt the mayonnaise, making the salad too runny.
- Customize the add-ins. Swap out turkey or ham for grilled chicken, or add a handful of chopped red onions for extra zing.
- Make it healthier by using Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Storage Instructions
This pasta salad stores beautifully!
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavors only get better with time!
- Unfortunately, this salad isn’t freezer-friendly due to the lettuce and mayo-based dressing.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Bowtie, rotini, or penne pasta are great alternatives that hold the dressing well.
How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?
Add the lettuce just before serving if you’re making the salad more than a day in advance.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.
A Club Sandwich Spin You’ll Love
This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad combines all the nostalgic flavors of a classic sandwich with the convenience of a one-bowl dish. Creamy, crunchy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat!
Looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes? Check out these recipes:
- Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A hearty and creamy pasta dish perfect for dinner.
- BLT Pasta Salad: Another sandwich-inspired favorite with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or Instagram, and don’t forget to tag me. If you loved this recipe, leave a review below to let others know why they need to try it, too!
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g