Save My neighbor Sarah brought this to our block party last summer and I literally hovered over the bowl the entire time. Between the smoky bacon crunch and that cool creamy dressing, I could not stop eating it. When she casually mentioned it started as a fridge cleanup creation, I knew I had to get the recipe immediately. Now it is my go to whenever I need something that feels indulgent but still works for a weekday lunch.
Last month my daughter asked me to make something for her office potluck that would not leave everyone in a food coma. I brought this salad and her coworker actually emailed me the next day begging for the recipe. Something about the familiar flavors of a BLT but in pasta form makes people instantly comfortable and happy. Plus, it looks so pretty in a glass serving bowl that people are drawn to it before they even taste it.
Ingredients
- 8 oz medium pasta shells: These little cups hold onto the dressing perfectly and catch all the small bits of bacon and tomato
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, diced: Grilled adds that essential smoky char flavor that pairs beautifully with the bacon
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled: The crunch factor is non negotiable here, undercook it and the whole texture changes
- 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Adds that fresh crisp element straight from a classic BLT, use heartier romaine not delicate greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: They stay firm better than regular tomatoes and look so pretty against the white pasta
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced: Optional but adds this nice sharp bite that cuts through the creamy dressing
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise: The base of our creamy dressing without being too heavy
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the texture while boosting protein
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens everything and balances the richness
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing depth and a little sharpness
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides background flavor without being overpowering
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together
Instructions
- Cook the pasta perfectly:
- Boil your pasta shells according to package directions but err on the side of slightly undercooked since they will absorb some dressing later. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking process.
- Make the creamy dressing:
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until completely smooth. Let it sit while you prep everything else so the flavors can start getting friendly.
- Prep all your mix ins:
- Dice your grilled chicken into bite sized pieces, crumble that crispy bacon into small bits, halve your cherry tomatoes, chop the romaine into manageable pieces, and finely dice the red onion if you are using it.
- Combine everything:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until each piece is lightly coated.
- Let flavors marry or serve immediately:
- You can serve it right away for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for 20 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Just know the lettuce will soften slightly if you let it sit.
Save This pasta salad has become my contribution to every family gathering now. My dad usually claims he does not like pasta salad but he went back for thirds at our Fourth of July celebration. There is something about the familiar BLT flavors that makes people feel nostalgic even if they have never had it in pasta form before. It is the dish that disappears first, every single time.
Making It Ahead
You can cook the pasta and grill the chicken up to two days in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing also keeps beautifully for three days. The only thing you must wait until the last minute to add is the lettuce, otherwise it gets sad and wilted.
Customization Ideas
Sometimes I swap the romaine for spinach when I want to feel extra virtuous. Diced avocado adds this creamy element that pairs surprisingly well with the crispy bacon. For a kicked up version, add a diced jalapeño or some crushed red pepper to the dressing. My sister uses ranch dressing mix instead of the yogurt mixture and her family loves it just as much.
Serving Suggestions
This works beautifully as a light dinner on a hot summer night when turning on the oven feels like punishment. I have served it alongside grilled corn and watermelon for the perfect seasonal meal. It travels well to potlucks but bring the dressing separately and toss right before serving.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold iced tea
- Serve in individual mason jars for a cute portable lunch option
- Garnish with extra bacon crumbles right before serving for maximum appeal
Save This salad represents everything I love about summer cooking. Fresh ingredients, minimal time at the stove, and maximum flavor payoff. Hope it becomes a staple at your table too.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving. Keep the pasta, proteins, and vegetables separate, then combine with dressing when ready to eat. Add lettuce last to maintain crispness.
- → What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or try a combination of sour cream and Greek yogurt. Ranch dressing also works as a flavorful alternative.
- → How should I cook the chicken for best results?
Grill chicken breasts until cooked through (165°F internal temperature), then dice into bite-sized pieces. For even cooking, pound chicken to uniform thickness before grilling.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely. Diced avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots all work wonderfully. Keep crisp vegetables separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Medium pasta shells are ideal for holding the dressing, but rotini, penne, or farfalle are equally delicious alternatives. Avoid very small or long pasta shapes.
- → Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prep. Store the dressed salad without lettuce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add fresh lettuce when ready to eat to maintain texture and crispness.