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Easy Turkey Club Pasta Salad Lunchbox Cups

Easy Turkey Club Pasta Salad Lunchbox Cups - featured image
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These portable pasta salad cups combine the flavors of a club sandwich with rotini pasta, turkey, bacon, and a creamy Dijon-yogurt dressing. Perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 8 oz deli turkey, diced
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped (optional, add before serving)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water and let it sit in the colander while you prep everything else.
  2. Cook the bacon: While the pasta cooks, lay the bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping once. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop into small pieces.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  4. Prep the mix-ins: Dice the deli turkey into small cubes (about 1/4-inch). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cube the sharp cheddar into similar-sized pieces. Chop the romaine lettuce if using (keep separate until serving).
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced turkey, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and cubed cheddar. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Portion into cups: If using a muffin tin, line the cups with silicone liners or spray with non-stick spray. Divide the pasta salad evenly among 12 cups. Press down gently with the back of a spoon so each cup is compact.
  7. Add lettuce (optional): If serving right away, top each cup with a small handful of chopped romaine. If prepping for the week, leave the lettuce off and add it fresh before serving.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

Cook bacon extra crispy to maintain texture. Cool pasta completely before mixing to avoid gummy salad. For best flavor, let cups chill for a few hours before serving. If storing, keep lettuce separate and add fresh before serving. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, lunchbox, turkey club, meal prep, easy lunch, kid-friendly, portable

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/easy-turkey-club-pasta-salad-lunchbox-cups/