BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

The summer heat was pushing 90 degrees when I realized turning on the oven would be a mistake. I stood in front of the open refrigerator, letting cool air wash over my face, and spotted leftover grilled chicken from yesterday and a package of bacon. Thats when it hit me that a BLT could transform into something entirely different.

My neighbor Sarah dropped by that afternoon with a bottle of white wine, and I wound up doubling the recipe. We sat on the back porch steps eating straight from the bowl while her dog chased squirrels, and she told me she could eat this every day for lunch.

Ingredients

• 8 oz medium pasta shells: These little cups catch the dressing perfectly in their curves
• 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast: Use whatever you have leftover or grill extra the night before
• 6 slices bacon: Cook until truly crisp so it stays crunchy in the salad
• 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce: Adds that classic BLT crunch and freshness
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: The sweetness balances all the savory elements
• ½ cup red onion: Optional but adds a nice sharp bite
• ⅓ cup light mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt: Makes everything tangy and lighter than traditional mayo
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the whole bowl and keeps flavors fresh
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing some backbone
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides savory depth without raw garlic intensity
• Salt and black pepper: Season generously since pasta absorbs flavor

Instructions

Prepare wholesome dog meals by mixing with warm water for easy serving and homemade-style feeding.

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Cook the pasta:

Boil those shells until perfectly tender, then give them a good cold rinse to stop the cooking and cool everything down

Whisk together the dressing:

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

Combine everything:

Toss the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion in a large bowl

Dress the salad:

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

Let it rest:

Serve right away or chill for 20 minutes so the flavors can really get friendly with each other

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Now this pasta salad shows up at every neighborhood block party and family reunion. My daughter requests it for her school lunch, minus the onion, and I always pack extra because her friends start hovering around her table.

Make It Your Own

Swap turkey bacon if you want to keep it lighter, or go all in and add diced avocado and shredded cheddar cheese for something even more indulgent.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess beautifully, though iced tea works just as well for lunch.

Serving Suggestions

This travels well to potlucks and picnics, so pack it in a cooler and bring an extra serving spoon.

• Keep a few cherry tomatoes whole for garnish
• Save some bacon bits to sprinkle on top
• Offer extra dressing on the side

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

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Honestly, this recipe started as a what can I make with leftovers situation but ended up being something I crave on purpose.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta, chicken, bacon, and dressing up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Add the lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.

→ What pasta works best for this salad?

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the creamy dressing well and provide great texture contrast. Other short pastas like penne, farfalle, or rotini work equally well. Avoid very thin or long pasta shapes that may become mushy.

→ How can I make this salad lighter?

Substitute the light mayonnaise with Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of mayo for extra tanginess. Use turkey bacon or lean bacon, and increase the proportion of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and lettuce relative to the pasta.

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor. Simply shred or dice the meat and use approximately 2 cups as called for in the ingredients. The salad will taste just as delicious.

→ What beverages pair well with this salad?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing beautifully. Alternatively, serve with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for refreshing non-alcoholic options.

→ How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

Store the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The pasta will absorb moisture over time, so add a splash of lemon juice or Greek yogurt if it seems dry when serving. Keep lettuce separate if storing longer than a few hours.