BLT Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Tender pasta with grilled chicken, smoky bacon, and fresh vegetables in a light creamy dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 ½ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool completely.
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 - Place cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
  • A great meal-prep option that stays delicious for days.
  • Lighter than traditional pasta salads thanks to a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
02 -
  • Chill the salad for 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully meld.
  • Add the romaine lettuce at the very last minute to keep it from wilting.
  • Use a whisk for the dressing to ensure the garlic powder and Dijon mustard are smoothly incorporated.
Go Back