Light Chicken Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
This light chicken pasta salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, peas, and a simple Greek yogurt dressing that’s perfect for lunches, potlucks, or easy dinners
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Salad Components
- 12 oz short penne pasta
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken (Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver!)
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese use long shavings for garnish
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the penne according to package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, peas, and mozzarella cheese to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to fully develop and meld.
- Before serving, top the salad with the shaved Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Serving: Serve this salad chilled. It's ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and barbecues. It pairs nicely with grilled vegetables or fresh fruit.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared several hours in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitution: If you don't care for peas, feel free to substitute them with sweetcorn or finely chopped green beans.