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BLT Pasta Salad

By Grandma Millie

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A bowl of BLT pasta salad with bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce garnished with chives.

BLT pasta salad is a fresh, creamy twist on the classic sandwich, made with tender pasta, crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory turkey bacon. A smooth Greek yogurt and mayo dressing with a touch of Dijon and lemon zest adds bright, tangy flavor to every bite. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or family meals, BLT pasta salad is a colorful, crowd-pleasing side that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 55 mins
Serves: 6 servings
Calories: 350
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BLT Pasta Salad

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
chilling
30 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 slices bacon (or turkey bacon)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet — For cooking bacon
  • 1 large bowl — For mixing salad ingredients
  • 1 whisk — For mixing dressing

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Crisp the Bacon – In a skillet, crisp the bacon until it’s golden and crunchy. Drain it on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Make the Dressing – In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Mix gently.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Dress the Salad – Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Garnish and Chill – Garnish with fresh chives and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350
Fat20g
Protein10g
Carbs30g

Why You’ll Love This blt pasta salad

  • It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite!
  • Quick and easy to whip up for any occasion.
  • Loaded with fresh flavors and creamy goodness.
  • Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a cozy dinner.
  • Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite veggies!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up a delicious BLT pasta salad!

Ingredients for BLT pasta salad including pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce on a kitchen table.
  • 8 oz – rotini pasta
  • 6 slices – bacon (or turkey bacon)
  • 1 cup – cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups – romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup – mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup – sour cream
  • 1 tbsp – apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp – sugar
  • 1/2 tsp – garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp – salt
  • 1/4 tsp – black pepper
  • 2 tbsp – chopped chives

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

This delightful BLT Pasta Salad is a breeze to whip up! With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, a cooking time of 10 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty dish ready to impress your friends and family.

Step-by-step preparation of BLT pasta salad, including cooking pasta, crisping bacon, making dressing, and combining ingredients.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

In a skillet, crisp the bacon until it’s golden and crunchy. Drain it on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Mix gently.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

Garnish with fresh chives and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Categorysalad
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes (chilling)
Total Time55 minutes
DietaryContains bacon (or turkey bacon)
Serves6
Best ServedChilled and creamy

Pro Tips for Making blt pasta salad

  • Opt for whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
  • Chill the salad for at least an hour to enhance flavors.
  • Use turkey bacon for a lighter twist without sacrificing taste.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like basil for a burst of flavor.
  • Adjust the dressing to your preference for creaminess.

How to Serve this blt pasta salad

  • Serve chilled for a refreshing summer dish.
  • Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a protein boost.
  • Top with avocado slices for extra creaminess.
  • Enjoy as a side at picnics or barbecues.
  • Mix in some corn for a sweet crunch.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
  • Serve in lettuce cups for a fun twist.
  • Complement with a light vinaigrette for added zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare and store your BLT pasta salad for later enjoyment:

Storing Leftovers

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate within two hours of serving.
  • Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing

  • Prepare the salad without dressing for freezing.
  • Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
  • Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Serve immediately after reheating for the best texture.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to savor the delightful flavors of this easy BLT pasta salad! It’s a nostalgic twist on a classic favorite, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. With creamy goodness and crispy bites, this dish is not just simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. Dive in and enjoy every delicious bite!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What goes with a BLT Pasta Salad?
A BLT Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a protein boost. Fresh fruit, like watermelon or berries, adds a refreshing touch, while crusty bread or garlic bread can complement the meal perfectly. For a complete picnic or potluck spread, you might also include some crunchy veggies or a light dessert to round things out!
What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?
To ensure your pasta salad is a hit, avoid these common mistakes: 1) Overcooking the pasta, which can lead to mushiness. 2) Not cooling the pasta before mixing, which can cause the dressing to separate. 3) Skipping the seasoning, as pasta needs flavor! 4) Using too much dressing, which can make it soggy. 5) Not letting it chill before serving, as flavors develop better when allowed to meld together in the fridge. Keep these tips in mind for a delicious dish!
What is a BLT Pasta Salad?
A BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining pasta with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This dish is typically tossed in a creamy dressing, making it a satisfying and flavorful option for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a BLT in a new and exciting form!
What dressing goes on a BLT salad?
For a BLT Pasta Salad, a creamy dressing works best to complement the ingredients. A classic choice is a mayonnaise-based dressing, perhaps mixed with a bit of yogurt or sour cream for tanginess. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of mustard for extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, a vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar can also be delicious, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the bacon and creaminess of the pasta!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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