BLT Chicken Pasta Salad

A fresh and hearty salad combining smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and grilled chicken with tender pasta shells, all tossed in a light, creamy mayo dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch, this dish brings together the best of American comfort food in one bowl.

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With a preparation time of 20 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, this recipe is easy to whip up. Whether you are serving it as a main dish or bringing it to a gathering, it yields four generous servings that are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) medium pasta shells
• 2 cups (250 g) cooked grilled chicken breast, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups (90 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (60 g) red onion, finely diced (optional)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (if using).

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5

Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To maintain the best texture, especially if you are using this for meal prep, add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Chilling the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving allows the creamy dressing to fully develop its savory, tangy profile.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, you can add diced avocado or shredded cheddar cheese to the mix. For a lighter version of this recipe, consider substituting the traditional bacon with turkey bacon. You can also omit the red onion if you prefer a milder taste.

Serviervorschläge

This BLT Chicken Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced tea. It is an ideal main dish for warm afternoons or as a hearty side at your next outdoor gathering.

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With 410 calories and 32 grams of protein per serving, this BLT Chicken Pasta Salad is a balanced and hearty meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. Enjoy the perfect crunch of bacon and lettuce in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep. Combine all ingredients except the lettuce and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the fresh lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and maintain optimal texture.

→ What can I substitute for grilled chicken?

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, turkey breast, or even shrimp for a lighter variation. Ensure your protein is cooked and cooled before adding to maintain food safety and texture.

→ How do I make this salad lighter?

Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt entirely, reduce the amount by half, or use a vinaigrette instead. Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon and use fat-free Greek yogurt to further reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad stores well in containers for up to 2 days when kept refrigerated. Keep dressing and lettuce separate until serving for best results, and add them shortly before eating to prevent sogginess.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the creamy dressing well. Farfalle, rotini, or penne are excellent alternatives. Avoid thin pastas like spaghetti as they don't capture the dressing as effectively.

→ How should I cook the chicken for this dish?

Grill chicken breasts until cooked through (165°F internal temperature), about 6-7 minutes per side. Cool completely before dicing to prevent the salad from becoming warm. Alternatively, pan-sear or bake the chicken for similar results.