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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Chop crispy bacon into small crumbles and slice cherry tomatoes in half for vibrant color and texture.
- Finely dice red onion to distribute sharp flavor throughout the salad and roughly chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Shred cheddar cheese into delicate wisps to ensure even distribution in the pasta mixture.
- Create creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold all pasta salad components together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to develop and meld, which enhances the overall taste profile.
- 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