Name: Vegan Turkey Club Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded plant-based chicken (about 1 package); 1 cup vegan mayonnaise; 1 cup vegan sour cream; 2 stalks celery (finely chopped); 1/2 cup red onion (diced); 1/3 cup fresh dill (chopped); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 6 croissant rolls (for serving)

This vegan turkey club pasta is the ultimate plant-based comfort food, combining the classic flavors of a deli sandwich with the satisfying heartiness of a cold pasta salad. It’s made from scratch with a creamy, dairy-free dressing and savory mock turkey, ready in about 50 minutes with minimal hands-on effort. This dish is perfect for picnics, quick weeknight dinners, or as a standout side for your next potluck.

I first dreamed up this recipe after a memorable afternoon spent at a charming vegetarian cafe in Portland. I was craving the comforting, savory notes of a traditional turkey club but wanted something entirely plant-based and perfect for sharing. The combination of textures here, from the crisp celery to the creamy dressing, immediately won me over. I now love serving this turkey-free pasta salad on warm evenings alongside my bright and herby pesto pasta for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks, much like my hearty vegan stew with dumplings.

Four Reasons This Pasta Salad Shines

Incredibly Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes with simple, no-cook assembly.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors meld and improve overnight, making it ideal for lunches.
Total Crowd-Pleaser: Its familiar, deli-style appeal wins over vegans and omnivores alike.
Effortlessly Customizable: You can easily adjust the veggies and seasonings to your taste.

What You Need for Perfect Vegan Turkey Club Pasta

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Creamy Dressing

Vegan Mayonnaise: Provides the rich, creamy base for the dressing.
Dairy-Free Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang that balances the richness.
Dijon Mustard: Lends a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of citrus brightens all the other ingredients.
Garlic Powder: Offers a convenient, mellow garlic flavor throughout.

For the Salad

Plant-Based Deli Slices: Look for a turkey or ham style for that classic club sandwich taste.
Chopped Celery: Introduces a necessary crunch and fresh flavor.
Diced Red Onion: Provides a mild bite and pops of color.
Fresh Dill: The aromatic herb that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Vegan Turkey Club Pasta Salad

Try this delicious vegan turkey club pasta salad with plant-based deli slices and creamy dressing. Perfect for lunch or picnics, ready in 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 50

Course Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
whisk
large spoon
spatula
knife
cutting board
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Ingredients

Salad Base

4 cups shredded plant-based chicken about 1 package
1 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 cup vegan sour cream
2 stalks celery finely chopped
1/2 cup red onion diced
1/3 cup fresh dill chopped
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

6 croissant rolls for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
Add the shredded plant-based chicken, chopped celery, diced red onion, and fresh dill to the bowl with the dressing. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if desired, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Just before serving, slice the croissant rolls in half horizontally. Spoon a generous portion of the chilled salad onto the bottom half of each croissant, then replace the top half.

Notes

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Keyword pasta salad, turkey club, vegan

Easy Ways to Customize Your Pasta

Add More Crunch: Stir in some chopped pickles, bell peppers, or toasted walnuts.
Make it Cheesier: Crumble in your favorite vegan feta or stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the salad to rest for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable for the best flavor fusion.
Season Carefully: Always taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice after mixing, as brands of vegan mayo vary in seasoning.
Chop Evenly: Dicing the celery and onion to a similar size ensures a pleasant texture in every bite.
Fold Gently: When combining, use a folding motion to keep the plant-based deli from breaking down too much.

How to Store Your Pasta Salad for Freshness

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop.
Freeze: I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables will not thaw well.
Reheat: This vegan deli meat pasta is meant to be served chilled. There is no need to reheat.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Combine everything up to 2 hours before serving for the optimal texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of vegan sour cream?

You can use an equal amount of additional vegan mayonnaise, unsweetened vegan yogurt, or even blended silken tofu for a similar creamy texture. The goal is to maintain the tangy creaminess that balances the dressing.

Can I make this vegan turkey club pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free pasta and double-check that your plant-based deli slices are also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?

Short shapes with grooves or curves like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work best because they hold onto the creamy dressing wonderfully. Avoid long, smooth pasta like spaghetti.

How long will vegan turkey club pasta last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. I find the flavor is often at its peak on the second day.

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Why This Vegan Pasta Is a Weeknight Win

With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and effortless preparation, this vegan turkey club pasta is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. It’s the perfect solution when you need a satisfying meal that comes together without fuss. I hope this plant-based twist on a classic becomes a cherished favorite in your home, too.

Vegan Turkey Club Pasta