BLT Chicken Pasta Salad (Print)

Smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and grilled chicken tossed with pasta shells in a light creamy mayo dressing.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta & Proteins

01 - 8 oz medium pasta shells
02 - 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, diced
03 - 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

→ Vegetables

04 - 1½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - ½ cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

07 - ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
08 - 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - ½ tsp garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy dressing clings to every pasta shell without feeling heavy
  • Everything can be prepped ahead except the lettuce which stays perfectly crisp
02 -
  • Never add the lettuce until right before serving or it becomes wilted and sad
  • The pasta must be completely cooled before mixing or the dressing separates and turns oily
03 -
  • Crisp your bacon in the oven on a foil lined sheet at 400°F for easier cleanup
  • Season your chicken generously before grilling because the pasta absorbs flavor quickly
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