This BLT Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! It combines pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all tossed together in a creamy dressing.
Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s a quick meal that feels like a party in a bowl. I like to make extra and take it for lunch—it always impresses my coworkers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini works great here because its spirals catch the dressing and flavors well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni will do.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, or you could skip it altogether and add smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
Cherry Tomatoes: They are sweet and juicy, but feel free to substitute with any kind of tomato, just chop them up smaller. In off-seasons, sun-dried tomatoes or canned tomatoes can work too.
Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but if you like, you could use spinach or mixed greens for a different texture.
Mayonnaise: This is the base for the creamy dressing. You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo if you prefer a lighter or vegan option.
How Do I Make the Best Dressing for My BLT Pasta Salad?
The dressing is key to tying all the flavors together! It’s super easy to whip up. Start by mixing the mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The vinegar adds a nice tang, while the sugar balances it out.
- Whisk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your taste—add more vinegar for tang or a touch more sugar if you enjoy sweetness.
- Don’t forget to let the salad chill in the fridge! This really helps the flavors meld together.
Image input capabilities: Enabled
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll be ready to serve this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it’s cooked but still has a little bite to it. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside as you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Fry the Bacon:
While your pasta cooks, take the slices of bacon and fry them in a skillet over medium heat. You want them nice and crispy! Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. When the bacon is cool, crumble it into smaller pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This dressing is what will bring all the flavors of your salad together!
4. Combine the Salad:
Add in the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley (if you’re using it) to the dressing. Toss everything gently to coat the vegetables and pasta evenly in the dressing. You want it to be just right—so don’t overdo it!
5. Add the Bacon:
Gently fold in most of the crumbled bacon into the salad, saving a bit to sprinkle on top later for decoration and extra crunch!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps all the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with the reserved bacon crumbles on top for a lovely finishing touch.
Enjoy!
Your fresh and tasty BLT Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a delightful lunch. Dig in!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for its ability to hold onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftover BLT Pasta Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that the lettuce might lose some crispness, so it’s best to eat it fresh if possible!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time, or even the night before. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or use a plant-based mayo for a vegan version. You might want to adjust the seasoning slightly since yogurt can be tangier than mayo.