BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

The smell of bacon cooking always pulls everyone into the kitchen, doesnt it? I created this pasta salad on a sweltering July afternoon when turning on the oven felt like punishment. My neighbor had dropped off some fresh tomatoes from her garden, and I had leftover grilled chicken sitting in the fridge. Sometimes the best recipes happen when you just start throwing things together in a bowl.

Last summer I brought this to a pool party and watched three different people ask for the recipe within twenty minutes. Theres something satisfying about serving a dish that looks impressive but secretly came together in under forty minutes. My brother in law, who claims to hate pasta salad, went back for thirds.

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells: These little cups catch all the creamy dressing in their curves
• 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast: Use whatever you have on hand, even a rotisserie chicken works beautifully
• 6 slices bacon: Cook it until its seriously crisp so it maintains that crunch in the salad
• 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce: Adds that classic BLT freshness and texture
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the smoky bacon perfectly
• ½ cup red onion: Optional but gives a nice sharp bite that cuts through the creaminess
• ⅓ cup light mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt: Adds tang while keeping the dressing light
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens up the whole bowl
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing some backbone
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Subtle warmth that wont overpower the fresh ingredients
• Salt and black pepper: Dont be shy, this salad needs proper seasoning

Instructions

Get your pasta ready:

Cook those shells until theyre perfectly al dente, then rinse them under cold water until theyre completely cool

Whisk up the magic:

Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth

Bring it all together:

Toss the cooled pasta with chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and onion in your biggest bowl

Dress it up:

Pour that creamy dressing over everything and fold gently until every piece is coated

The waiting game:

Serve right away or pop it in the fridge for twenty minutes to let the flavors become best friends

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This pasta salad has become my go to for summer gatherings because it travels so well. I love watching peoples faces when they take that first bite and realize its basically a deconstructed BLT in pasta form. Food that feels familiar yet surprising is always the best kind.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in diced avocado when I want something creamy without the dairy. Shredded cheddar or gorgonzola takes this in a completely different but equally delicious direction. The recipe is forgiving enough to handle whatever your cravings demand.

Meal Prep Magic

This pasta salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for three to four days, making it perfect for weekday lunches. I portion it into glass containers on Sunday and grab one on my way out the door. Just keep the dressing separate and toss it right before eating.

Perfect Pairings

Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess beautifully. A glass of iced tea with a squeeze of lemon feels downright refreshing alongside this salad. Grilled corn or crusty bread would turn this into a complete summer feast.

• Crisp white wine makes everything feel more elegant
• Iced tea with lemon keeps it casual and refreshing
• Grilled bread or corn completes the meal perfectly

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Hope this becomes a staple in your summer rotation like it has in mine. Theres something wonderful about recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all components separately up to one day in advance. Keep the dressing, pasta, and proteins refrigerated separately. Add the lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness, then toss everything together with the dressing.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Medium pasta shells are ideal as they hold the creamy dressing well and provide nice texture contrast. Bow tie pasta or penne also work beautifully as alternatives.

→ How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Store lettuce separately from the dressing until serving time. If preparing ahead, wrap the chopped lettuce in paper towels and keep in an airtight container. Add it at the last moment before serving.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise dressing?

Absolutely. Try ranch dressing, Italian vinaigrette, or a Greek yogurt-based herb dressing for different flavor profiles. The creamy mayo-yogurt blend offers a lighter option than traditional mayo alone.

→ What are good add-ins or variations?

Consider diced avocado for creaminess, shredded cheddar for richness, or crispy croutons for extra crunch. Turkey bacon provides a leaner protein option, and fresh herbs like dill or basil enhance the flavor complexity.

→ How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

Best consumed within 2-3 days when properly stored in an airtight container. The pasta will absorb dressing over time, and lettuce will wilt, so it's ideal to prepare fresh or use meal prep containers with separate compartments.