BLT Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable)

Smoky bacon, grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce tossed with pasta shells in a 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 - 1.5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

07 - 0.33 cup light mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes provide a perfect flavor contrast.
  • The dressing is light and tangy thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
  • It is a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 40 minutes.
02 -
  • Always rinse your pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
  • Allowing the salad to chill for at least 20 minutes helps the flavors fully develop.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, citrusy flavor in the dressing.
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