This BLT Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! It features tasty pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sweet tomatoes all mixed together with a creamy dressing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini or radiatori are great for holding the dressing, but any pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie works well too. If gluten-free, look for brown rice or chickpea pasta.
Bacon: I love crispy bacon for that savory crunch! Turkey bacon or even crispy tofu can replace it for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness! If you can’t find them, feel free to use diced regular tomatoes. Roasted tomatoes can add a nice depth too.
Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but you could also use spinach or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture.
Dressings: Mayonnaise and sour cream create a creamy dressing, but for a lighter version, Greek yogurt works beautifully. You can also ditch added sugar by using ripe mashed avocado!
How Do I Get the Right Texture in My Pasta Salad?
Getting the right texture is key for pasta salad. Overcooked pasta can make it mushy, so cook it just until al dente. Rinse it under cold water right after draining. This stops cooking and cools it quickly, helping maintain the pasta’s firmness.
- For more flavor, add salt to boiling water before cooking pasta.
- Be sure to let your bacon cool on paper towels to keep it crispy.
- For extra crunch, let the salad chill before serving. This also helps the flavors blend nicely.
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or radiatori), cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (feel free to mix red and yellow)
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
For the Bacon:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BLT Pasta Salad will take you about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator, allowing all those delicious flavors to come together. In less than an hour, you’ll have a wonderfully refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, drain the excess fat on a paper towel and chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Set this aside as well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (or sugar), garlic powder, smoked paprika, along with the salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is nice and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Chill the Salad:
To really let those flavors blend beautifully, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. It makes it even more refreshing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your BLT Pasta Salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. For a fun touch, garnish with extra bits of bacon or some fresh herbs. Dive in and enjoy this delightful blend of flavors!
This crunchy, creamy, and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad is great as a side dish or even as a light meal on its own. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or radiatori works great for this salad, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the lettuce might lose some crunch. If possible, keep it separate until ready to serve!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just mix everything except the lettuce, which should be added right before serving to keep it crisp. Chilling it helps the flavors develop nicely!
What if I Don’t Eat Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute the bacon with crispy cooked turkey bacon for a lighter option, or use crispy chickpeas or diced avocado for a vegetarian twist. Each option adds its own unique flavor!