The Zesty BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Summers sizzle with the perfect BLT pasta salad recipe that combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing.

Crunchy lettuce adds a refreshing twist to this classic comfort dish.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Bacon lovers will rejoice in the smoky, savory elements throughout this easy-to-make meal.

The salad comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

Chilled and packed with robust flavors, this pasta salad transforms an ordinary lunch into a memorable experience.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering or picnic.

BLT Pasta Salad: Fresh, Crunchy, and Packed with Flavor

• Dive into a classic BLT sandwich transformed into a delightful pasta salad that brings all the beloved flavors together in one delicious dish.
• Minimal cooking required means you can toss this crowd-pleasing salad together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crispy bacon, tangy dressing, and fresh vegetables create a symphony of tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds, guaranteed to impress at potlucks and picnics.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste, making this recipe super flexible for different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

BLT Pasta Salad Ingredient Roundup

• Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds the salad's creamy dressing and adds texture.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that provides a smoky flavor and crunchy element to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes that add bright color and a burst of sweetness.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp lettuce that provides a fresh, green crunch to the pasta salad.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a rich, tangy flavor to the pasta salad.
• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base ingredients that create a smooth, tangy dressing.

• Red Onion, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that add zesty, sharp, and seasoned notes to balance the salad's flavors.

Tools for Tossing the Perfect BLT Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse pasta quickly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all salad ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Great for whisking together creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping vegetables and slicing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Mix a Colorful, Crunchy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Add the pasta and cook until it reaches al dente perfection.

Quickly drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Crispy bacon, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
• Juicy cherry tomatoes, halved
• Crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
• Zesty red onion, thinly sliced
• Sharp cheddar cheese, generously shredded

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Whisk until the dressing becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine And Coat

Pour the pasta into a large serving bowl.

Add all the prepared ingredients.

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a delicious coating of dressing.

Step 5: Chill And Serve

Cover the pasta salad and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and allow the flavors to mingle and develop for at least 30 minutes.

When ready, give it a quick stir and serve chilled for a refreshing summer meal.

BLT Pasta Salad Tips for Big Flavor

• Choose short pasta like rotini or penne for better dressing coverage and easier eating.
• Cook bacon until crispy for maximum crunch and flavor, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
• Add lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain a fresh, crisp texture.
• Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes before mixing to allow flavors to develop and blend thoroughly.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance, keeping dressing and lettuce separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Tasty Add-Ins and Variations for BLT Salad

• Vegan BLT Pasta Salad: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh strips, use vegan mayonnaise, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute cheddar with crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and use Greek yogurt dressing with oregano and mint.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, swap romaine for cilantro, add black beans, and mix in chipotle mayo for a zesty kick.

Creative Plating for BLT Pasta Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Serve this zesty BLT pasta salad as a standalone meal at outdoor gatherings, packed with summer vibes and fresh flavors.
• Backyard BBQ Companion: Pair alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs for a delightful side dish that complements smoky barbecue meats perfectly.
• Lunch Box Hero: Pack this salad in individual containers for a quick, satisfying work or school lunch that stays fresh and tasty throughout the day.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community events or family reunions, knowing it'll be a hit with its classic BLT twist on traditional pasta salad.

How to Store BLT Salad and Keep It Fresh

• Store the BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it cool and fresh by sealing the container tightly.
• Separate the lettuce before storing to maintain its crispness. Add fresh lettuce when ready to serve to preserve the salad's original texture.
• Avoid freezing this pasta salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables break down and lose quality when frozen.
• Enjoy the salad cold directly from the refrigerator. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta for a similar texture and ability to hold the dressing well.

• Is there a way to make this salad healthier?

Use turkey bacon, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and add more vegetables like diced cucumbers or bell peppers to increase nutrition.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can make this pasta salad up to 2 days ahead. Just keep the dressing and salad separate until ready to serve to prevent soggy lettuce.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding grilled chicken, diced hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled blue cheese to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic BLT pasta salad blends crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing with al dente pasta for a summer favorite. Fresh herbs and zesty seasoning elevate this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool quickly.
2. Chop crispy bacon into small crumbles and slice cherry tomatoes in half for vibrant color and texture.
3. Finely dice red onion to distribute sharp flavor throughout the salad and roughly chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
4. Shred cheddar cheese into delicate wisps to ensure even distribution in the pasta mixture.
5. Create creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Gently fold all pasta salad components together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
7. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld, which enhances the overall taste profile.
8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
• Crisp bacon in a skillet for maximum flavor, or use turkey bacon for a leaner protein option.
• Chop lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture.
• Prepare dressing ahead of time and store separately to keep salad ingredients fresh and prevent soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg