Imagine all the best parts of your favorite deli sandwich, transformed into a vibrant, spoonable pasta salad! This Sandwich Pasta Salad brings together tender rotini, savory chicken and bacon, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're heading to a potluck, packing lunches for the week, or just want a satisfying meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why This Sandwich Pasta Salad is a Must-Make
Forget boring salads; this recipe takes comfort food to a new level. Here's why you'll want to add it to your regular rotation:
- Flavor Explosion: Combines the classic tastes of chicken, bacon, and fresh veggies with a zesty, creamy dressing.
- Effortless Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean a delicious meal without the fuss.
- Perfect for Sharing: A generous recipe that's ideal for parties, picnics, and family gatherings.
- Lunchbox Hero: Stores wonderfully in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep and grab-and-go lunches.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferences by swapping proteins or adding different vegetables.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
The magic of this pasta salad lies in its balanced blend of familiar ingredients. Here's a look at what makes it so special:
The Perfect Pasta Base
Rotini pasta is our top choice for this salad. Its unique spiral shape is fantastic for capturing all that creamy dressing, ensuring every single bite is coated in deliciousness. Remember to cook it al dente for the best texture!
Hearty Protein Power
Shredded cooked chicken and crispy, crumbled bacon form the foundation of this satisfying salad. Leftover roast chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze. For another fantastic chicken-based dish, don't miss our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!.
Fresh & Crunchy Additions
Cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and crisp celery add a burst of freshness, essential crunch, and beautiful color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens everything up. For precise chopping and faster prep, a quality chef's knife is an invaluable tool in any kitchen.
The Creamy Dream Dressing
The dressing is the heart of the 'sandwich' flavor! A harmonious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a perfectly balanced creamy, tangy, and savory coating that brings all the ingredients together.
Tips for Pasta Salad Perfection
Follow these simple tips to ensure your Sandwich Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time:
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in a salad.
- Rinse Your Pasta: After draining, rinse the cooked pasta with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Chill Time Matters: While you can enjoy this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or even overnight) lets the flavors marry beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing and the finished salad. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Uniform Chops: Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even distribution throughout the salad.
Serving Your Delicious Creation
This Sandwich Pasta Salad is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it also shines as a side dish:
- Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying lunch.
- It's the ultimate contribution to any potluck, BBQ, or picnic.
- For another refreshing side option, try our Delightful Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans: A Refreshing Recipe.
Get ready to impress with this easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Sandwich Pasta Salad. It’s a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary!
FAQs
Can I prepare this Sandwich Pasta Salad in advance?
Yes, absolutely! This pasta salad is even better when made ahead. The flavors have time to meld beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or bringing to a potluck. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
We recommend using a short, sturdy pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Rotini, with its spirals, is particularly good at catching and holding onto the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
How long does Sandwich Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, this Sandwich Pasta Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's an ideal choice for healthy and satisfying lunches throughout your week.
Can I add other ingredients or variations to this pasta salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to incorporate other sandwich staples like cubed cheddar or provolone cheese, sliced black olives, bell peppers, or even switch the chicken for ham or turkey. Make it your own!
Sandwich Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful pasta salad combining classic sandwich ingredients like chicken, bacon, and fresh vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
16 ounces rotini pasta, cooked, rinsed, and drained
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 6-8 slices)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, finely diced celery, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Step 4: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Sandwich Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Stir well before serving and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried dill to the dressing. You can also customize by adding cubed cheese, black olives, or bell peppers. Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing for the best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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