Save to Pinterest The sun was barely up when my sister called demanding I bring something to her impromptu backyard gathering. I raided the fridge and found leftover grilled chicken from the night before, a half package of bacon, and some cherry tomatoes threatening to turn. That morning scramble birthed what's now the most requested dish at every family function.
Last summer, my neighbor leaned over the fence while I was cooking bacon and asked what smelled so incredible. I ended up sending her home with a container of this salad. Now she texts me every Tuesday asking if Im making it for the week.
Ingredients
- Pasta shells: These little cups trap the dressing in their curves so every bite is perfectly coated
- Grilled chicken breast: Leftover rotisserie chicken works brilliantly here if you want to skip the grilling step
- Bacon: Cook it until it's seriously crisp because it needs to hold its texture against the creamy dressing
- Romaine lettuce: Adds that essential BLT crunch but chop it right before serving so it doesnt wilt
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting little jewels of sweetness that cut through all the rich elements
- Red onion: Finely diced it whispers rather than shouts but if you're sensitive you can skip it
- Light mayonnaise: Keeps things creamy without being too heavy
- Greek yogurt: The secret ingredient that adds tang and protein while lightening the dressing
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the flavors fresh
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon gives the dressing depth and a tiny kick
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil those shells until they're perfectly tender then rinse under cold water until they're completely cool to the touch
- Whisk up the dressing:
- Combine the mayo Greek yogurt lemon juice Dijon garlic powder salt and pepper until smooth and creamy
- Combine everything:
- Toss the cooled pasta chicken bacon lettuce tomatoes and onion in a large bowl together
- Dress it up:
- Pour that creamy dressing over the salad and gently fold until every ingredient gets its fair share
- Let it mingle:
- Either serve right away or pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes because the flavors become best friends after a short chill
Save to Pinterest My aunt who claims to hate pasta salad went back for thirds at the Fourth of July party. She cornered me near the dessert table and made me write down the recipe on a napkin right then and there.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in diced avocado for creaminess or add sharp cheddar when I want something more indulgent. The beauty is this salad plays nicely with whatever you have in the crisper drawer.
Perfect Picnic Planning
This travels exceptionally well but pack the dressing separately if you're going further than 20 minutes. Toss it all together when you arrive and watch it disappear first.
Meal Prep Magic
Prep everything except the lettuce and dressing on Sunday and you've got lunch for days. The flavors actually get better overnight and adding fresh greens right before eating keeps it perfect.
- Use a good rotisserie chicken to skip the grilling entirely
- Cook extra bacon and keep it in the freezer for future batches
- Cherry tomatoes last longer than sliced ones so buy extra
Save to Pinterest Hope this becomes your go to for every potluck picnic and Tuesday lunch like it has for me.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead and store them separately. Add the dressing and lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness. This makes it ideal for meal prep throughout the week.
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Medium pasta shells are ideal as they hold the creamy dressing well. Small penne or bow-tie pasta also work nicely. Cook until tender but still firm, then cool thoroughly before tossing.
- → Can I substitute the chicken or bacon?
Absolutely. Turkey bacon provides a lighter option, and grilled turkey breast works as a chicken substitute. For vegetarian versions, try crispy tofu or tempeh alongside extra vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers.
- → How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Chop and add the lettuce just before serving or right before eating. If you prefer to make it earlier, store lettuce separately and toss it in moments before serving to maintain its fresh, crisp texture.
- → What dressing variations can I try?
Try a ranch variation by adding fresh herbs like dill and chives. For tanginess, increase lemon juice or substitute with lime. A balsamic vinaigrette offers a different flavor profile, or mix in pesto for an Italian twist.
- → Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prep. Store the dressed pasta, chicken, and bacon in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Pack lettuce separately and combine everything just before eating for best results.