BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

The first time I made this pasta salad was for a last-minute neighborhood gathering. I had leftover grilled chicken and a package of bacon that needed using, so I threw everything together in a panic. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I had to admit I was just cleaning out my fridge. Now it is the most requested dish at every summer potluck.

Last summer my sister claimed she hated pasta salad until she tried this version. She stood over the serving bowl picking out all the bacon crumbles first, then admitted she had been wrong about pasta salads her entire life. Watching someone convert from skeptic to believer over something so simple reminded me why sharing food matters.

Ingredients

• Pasta shells: I prefer medium shells because they catch all that creamy dressing in their curves
• Grilled chicken breast: Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here too
• Bacon: Cook it extra crispy since it will soften slightly in the salad
• Romaine lettuce: Adds necessary crunch and makes this feel like a true BLT experience
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst in your mouth better than regular tomatoes
• Red onion: Optional but adds a sharp bite that cuts through the creaminess
• Light mayonnaise: Keeps the dressing rich without being overwhelming
• Greek yogurt: My secret for making the dressing tangy and protein-packed
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed makes all the difference in brightness
• Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing depth and character

Instructions

Cook and cool the pasta:

Boil those shells until tender but still have some bite, then rinse under cold water until completely cool

Whisk up the magic dressing:

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

Build your salad base:

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

Bring it all together:

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

Let flavors become friends:

Serve right away or chill for 20 minutes so the ingredients get to know each other better

Save

My daughter now requests this for her school lunchbox every week. I make a big batch on Sunday and she says it is the one thing that makes Monday mornings bearable. Watching her happily eat vegetables and protein together feels like a small parenting win.

Make Ahead Magic

I have learned through trial and error that you can prepare everything except the lettuce and dressing a day in advance. Store the cooked pasta, chicken and bacon in separate containers in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight. Just toss with fresh lettuce and dressing before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines alongside grilled corn on the cob or simple roasted asparagus. I have also served it in hollowed-out tomato cups for brunch parties, which looked impressive and required zero extra cooking time. The presentation always wows guests.

Customization Ideas

Sometimes I swap in diced avocado for a creamier texture or add shredded sharp cheddar when I want extra richness. The recipe is incredibly forgiving. Add fresh herbs like basil or chives if you have them growing in your garden.

• Fold in diced avocado right before serving to prevent browning
• Try turkey bacon if you want to keep it lighter without losing smoky flavor
• A handful of fresh basil leaves transforms it into something entirely new

Save

This recipe has become my go-to for new neighbors and grieving friends alike. Food has this way of saying I care without needing any words at all.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Add lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What pasta works best?

Medium shells hold dressing and ingredients well. Rotini, fusilli, or penne make excellent substitutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in airtight container up to 3 days. Toss with additional dressing before serving if needed.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves preparation time.

→ Is the dressing adjustable?

Yes. Increase Greek yogurt for tang, add more mayo for creaminess, or adjust lemon juice and mustard to taste.