Imagine a dish that brings together the best of both worlds—your favorite club sandwich and a refreshing pasta salad! That’s exactly what you get with my Club Sandwich Pasta Salad. It’s light, vibrant, and bursting with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. I love how the juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy veggies mingle with the tender rotini pasta, creating a delightful medley of textures. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, this salad will become your new go-to for satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor!

Ingredients for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that classic club sandwich flavor while keeping things light and fresh. Let’s gather these simple yet delicious items:

8 ounces rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto the dressing and flavors beautifully, making every bite a delight!
1 cup cooked chicken, diced: Use any cooked chicken you have on hand, like rotisserie or grilled chicken, for a quick and easy addition.
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch. Don’t skip this part!
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these little gems bring a pop of color and freshness to the salad.
1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a nice crunch that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy element that ties all the flavors together.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: The base of our dressing, mayonnaise brings creaminess and binds all the ingredients deliciously.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: A little kick from the mustard gives the dressing a tangy depth that elevates the whole dish!
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this vibrant pasta salad.

How to Prepare Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Getting this Club Sandwich Pasta Salad ready is as easy as pie! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of deliciousness in no time. Don’t worry if you’re new to pasta salads; I’ll guide you through it all. The key is to make sure your pasta is cooked just right and that you give the salad some time to chill—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on the clock—usually about 8-10 minutes works well. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps the pasta stay firm and not mushy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and cubed cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this creamy dressing over your pasta mixture and gently toss everything together so every bite is coated in that zesty goodness.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all those flavors to mingle and intensify!

Nutritional Information

When you indulge in my Club Sandwich Pasta Salad, you’re not just treating yourself to something delicious; you’re also keeping an eye on your nutrition! Each serving is approximately 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates, so if you want to tweak the ingredients, just adjust accordingly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This pasta salad comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: With the classic club sandwich ingredients, every bite is packed with deliciousness that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or potluck, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and making your life easier!
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized twist!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t overcook the rotini pasta—al dente is key for that lovely bite. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad. When it comes to the dressing, feel free to adjust the mayonnaise and mustard to suit your taste; you might love it extra creamy or with a bit more tang!

And here’s a little secret: letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes really helps those flavors pop! If you can, make it the day before for an even more flavorful experience. Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative—adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can really elevate the dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations of Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to switch up your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad! Try adding avocado for a creamy twist or some red onion for a zesty kick. You could also toss in some bell peppers or spinach for extra color and crunch. For a touch of sweetness, throw in some diced apples or grapes—they pair beautifully with the savory ingredients. If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some Italian seasoning to the dressing. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is a breeze! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat; this salad is best served cold. Just give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing, and if it seems a bit dry, add a splash of mayo or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh it. Enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

How long can I store the Club Sandwich Pasta Salad?
You can store this salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to chill it in the fridge before serving!

What can I add to make it even healthier?
If you want to boost the nutritional value, consider adding more veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. Just portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Dense Cranberry and Orange Cake with Citrus Glaze

Author: Louna Cakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A moist and dense cake combining tart cranberries and refreshing orange flavors, topped with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the remaining orange juice. Gently stir in the dried cranberries.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare the citrus glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable.
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the citrus glaze over the top and allow it to flow down the sides.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough cake.
Measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Always line the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Ensure the oven is preheated before baking.
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cranberry Cake, Orange Cake, Citrus Glaze, Dessert Recipe

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Club Sandwich Pasta Salad: 5 Flavorful Secrets Revealed