Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Club Sandwich Pasta Salad**

#### **1. Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 7-9 minutes.
– Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to fully drain and cool.

#### **2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:**
– While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. **Dice the turkey, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes**, and shred the chicken breast.
– **Cook and crumble the bacon** if you haven’t done so already. You can cook the bacon in a skillet or oven, then crumble it once it’s cool enough to handle.
– **Shred the cheeses** if they’re not pre-shredded and set them aside.

#### **3. Make the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl, combine the **mayonnaise**, **sour cream** (or Greek yogurt), **Dijon mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, **garlic powder**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**.
– Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

#### **4. Toss the Salad:**
– In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, **chopped chicken**, **turkey**, **bacon**, **cucumber**, **cherry tomatoes**, **cheeses**, and **red onion** (if using).
– Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.

#### **5. Chill and Serve:**
– Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least **30 minutes** before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even tastier dish.
– Garnish with **fresh parsley** right before serving for a pop of color.

### **Why You Should Make Club Sandwich Pasta Salad**

**Club Sandwich Pasta Salad** brings the best of both worlds—comfort food meets fresh salad. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of a classic club sandwich but wants something a little different and easier to serve.

Here are some reasons why this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion:
– **Versatile for Any Gathering**: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday meal, or a weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is versatile and adaptable to any event. Plus, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: This salad is easy to store and lasts for a few days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
– **A Great Way to Use Leftover Chicken**: If you have leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, this is a great way to repurpose it in a new and exciting way.

### **Customizing Your Club Sandwich Pasta Salad**

Like any great recipe, this pasta salad is highly customizable! Here are some variations to make it your own:
– **Meat Options**: Switch out the turkey for **ham**, or use **grilled chicken** or **roast beef** in place of the turkey for different flavors.
– **Add More Veggies**: If you love veggies, feel free to throw in some diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some fresh spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
– **Cheese Variations**: Try adding different cheeses like **Swiss cheese**, **feta**, or **provolone** for a unique twist.
– **Make it Spicy**: Add a touch of **hot sauce** or **jalapeños** for a little kick.

### **Serving Suggestions**

This salad is hearty and filling on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your meal:
– **Serve with Fresh Bread**: Pair this salad with some **crusty bread** or **garlic bread** for a complete meal.
– **Make it a Wrap**: For a fun twist, take this pasta salad and use it as a filling for **wraps** or **pita pockets**.
– **Add a Side of Chips**: Pair it with a side of crunchy **potato chips** or **pretzels** for a satisfying, crunch-filled experience.

### **Conclusion**

**Club Sandwich Pasta Salad** is a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of savory meats, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing, it offers all the delicious flavors of a classic club sandwich in a new, exciting form. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a potluck, or just meal prepping for the week, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

The best part? You can customize it to your liking and make it as simple or as fancy as you wish. So go ahead—give it a try, and let the flavor-packed goodness of **Club Sandwich Pasta Salad** take center stage at your next meal! 🥪🍝✨