BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

My neighbor Sarah brought this to our block party last summer, and I literally hovered around the serving bowl the entire afternoon. Something about that smoky bacon cutting through the cool creamy dressing had me going back for thirds. She laughed when I begged for the recipe, saying it was just her backup plan when she didnt have time to make anything fancy.

I made this for my sisters baby shower last month, doubling the recipe because I was nervous about running out. Watching my aunt, whos notoriously picky about potato salads, go back for seconds made my whole week. My brother in law actually asked if I could make it for his fantasy football draft, which I'm taking as the highest compliment possible.

Ingredients

• Medium pasta shells: The curves catch all that dressing and little bits of bacon, plus they twirl perfectly on a fork
• Cooked grilled chicken breast: Use leftovers from a night you grilled out, it adds that nice charred flavor
• Bacon: Cook it until really crisp so it stays crunchy even after tossing with the dressing
• Romaine lettuce: Adds that classic BLT crunch and keeps the pasta from feeling too dense
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst in your mouth with little bursts of sweetness
• Red onion: Totally optional, but I love the sharp bite it cuts through everything
• Light mayonnaise: Gives you that creamy base without weighing everything down
• Greek yogurt: The secret ingredient that makes the dressing tangy and bright
• Lemon juice: Fresh is absolutely worth it here, it wakes up the whole bowl
• Dijon mustard: Just a tiny bit adds depth that nobody can quite put their finger on

Instructions

Get that pasta going:

Cook the shells according to the package, then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool

Whisk up the magic:

In a small bowl, mix the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth

Bring it all together:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion

Coat everything evenly:

Pour the dressing over and toss gently until every piece is covered

Let it rest or serve:

Either dig in right away or chill for 20 minutes so the flavors really get friendly with each other

Save

This has become my go to when friends need meals after having a baby or moving into a new house. Theres something so comforting about a dish that feels indulgent but still has all those fresh vegetables. Last week my friend texted me from the hospital saying it was the first thing she wanted to eat after her surgery, which honestly made me tear up a little.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in diced avocado when theyre on sale, or use regular mustard in a pinch. My mom makes hers with rotisserie chicken and swears its just as good as grilled.

Serving Suggestions

This alongside some grilled corn and fruit salad makes the easiest summer dinner. For a more substantial spread, add some garlic bread.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, though the lettuce will soften over time. If you know you are keeping it for a few days, hold back on adding the greens until you are ready to eat.

• Keep the dressing separate if you are making this more than a day ahead
• Bacon stays surprisingly crisp in the fridge, so no need to worry about that
• Let cold leftovers sit on the counter for ten minutes before serving, the flavors pop more

Save

Hope this becomes one of those recipes you find yourself making without even thinking about it. Those are always the best ones, are not they.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long does this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?

The pasta salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For best texture, add the lettuce just before serving rather than mixing it in beforehand.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dressing separately and toss with the salad 30 minutes before serving. Add crisp lettuce right before serving.

→ What pasta shape works best for this salad?

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the creamy dressing well. Rotini, fusilli, or penne also work great if you prefer different shapes.

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of grilled?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply dice about 2 cups of the meat and add it to the salad during assembly.

→ Is there a lighter alternative to the mayonnaise dressing?

The dressing already uses half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for reduced fat. For an even lighter version, substitute all the mayo with Greek yogurt or use light mayonnaise.

→ What vegetables can I add for more variety?

Diced cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or fresh avocado all complement the flavors beautifully. Add whatever fresh vegetables you enjoy.