Club Sandwich Pasta Salad

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cubed cheddar, and red onion.
4. Dress the Salad:
   Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Variations:

• Use chopped turkey or deli ham in place of chicken for a traditional club feel.
• Add diced avocado or chopped pickles for extra richness and bite.
• Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Use baby spinach instead of romaine for a softer green.

Tips:

• Don’t add croutons until just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• If making ahead, add lettuce right before serving to keep it fresh.
• A pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs in the dressing adds a bold boost.

Club Sandwich Pasta Salad takes a beloved sandwich and reimagines it as a refreshing, satisfying dish that’s ready for any occasion.