BLT Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Picnic Favorites

Summer heat calls for a zesty blt pasta salad that brings crispy bacon magic right to your plate.

Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes dance alongside perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Creamy dressing weaves through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Bacon crumbles add that irresistible crunch everyone secretly craves at picnics and backyard gatherings.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum enjoyment without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Quick preparation lets you spend more time savoring and less time cooking.

You’ll want seconds before the first serving is even finished, so make extra!

This crowd-pleasing dish promises to be your new warm-weather favorite.

Why Everyone’s Talking About BLT Pasta Salad

• Combines classic BLT sandwich ingredients into a refreshing pasta dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer barbecues.
• Adaptable recipe that works as a side dish or light main course, satisfying different meal preferences with minimal effort.

BLT Pasta Salad Ingredient Must-Haves

• Pasta: Sturdy short pasta that holds dressing well, perfect for salads like rotini or penne.

• Bacon, Bacon Bits: Crispy, salty element that adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture, thick-cut bacon recommended for best results.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Bright, colorful additions that provide fresh crunch and sharp flavor, choose ripe and firm tomatoes.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp texture and light green color, romaine or iceberg work best for maximum crispness.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates rich and tangy sauce, full-fat versions provide better consistency.
• Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance creamy dressing, white or apple cider vinegar work well.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth of flavor, fresh ground black pepper recommended.

Mixing Up BLT Pasta Salad the Right Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Let the pasta sit and reach room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Crispy bacon pieces
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped lettuce
• Thinly sliced red onion

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion.

Step 5: Dress and Mix

Pour prepared dressing over pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate pasta salad for minimum 30 minutes. Before serving, give another gentle toss. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.

Helpful Tips for BLT Pasta Salad Perfection

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Crisp bacon to golden brown for maximum crunch and intense smoky taste in your pasta salad.
• Prevent Soggy Lettuce: Add lettuce just before serving to maintain its fresh, crisp texture and prevent wilting.
• Customize Dressing Consistency: Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratio for a thicker or lighter dressing based on personal preference.
• Enhance Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with smoked almonds or tempeh bacon for a plant-based protein alternative that delivers similar texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad a day in advance, storing dressing separately and mixing just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.

Save and Reheat BLT Pasta Salad Like a Pro

• Store leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently mix the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the texture, as ingredients may settle during storage.
• Do not freeze this pasta salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings and lettuce will separate and become watery, ruining the dish's texture and taste.

Top Pairings for BLT Pasta Salad Plates

• Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy dressing and cut through the richness of bacon.
• Serve toasted garlic crostini or rustic sourdough slices alongside the pasta salad to add textural contrast and soak up extra dressing.
• Create a light cucumber-mint mojito that refreshes the palate and balances the salad's savory bacon and creamy elements.
• Add a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery green counterpoint and introduce additional freshness to the meal.

Changing Up the Classic BLT Pasta Salad

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh bacon, use vegan mayonnaise, and add roasted chickpeas for protein. Include extra vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Garden Fresh: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy dressing and keep all other ingredients the same.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. Include quinoa mixed with pasta to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute bacon with crispy pancetta, replace mayonnaise with olive oil and lemon dressing. Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Curious About BLT Pasta Salad? Let’s Talk

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap the pasta for similar shapes like rotini, penne, or shells that will hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace bacon with crispy tempeh, coconut bacon bits, or pre-cooked plant-based bacon alternatives to maintain the smoky flavor profile.

• How long can I keep BLT pasta salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Definitely! You can make the entire salad up to a day ahead. Just keep the lettuce separate and add it right before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crispness.

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Summer’s favorite pasta dish, BLT Pasta Salad, blends crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce in a creamy dressing. Cool and satisfying, this classic combination brings Mediterranean-style comfort right to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce

Accent Ingredients:

• ½ cup diced red onion (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then immediately transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and reduce temperature.
2. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended.
3. Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown and deliciously crunchy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
4. Dice cherry tomatoes into quarters, slice red onion into thin rings, and roughly chop crisp lettuce leaves.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce.
6. Drizzle prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold ingredients together, ensuring even coating without breaking delicate pasta.
7. Refrigerate salad for minimum 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly penetrate ingredients.
8. Before serving, give salad another gentle toss to redistribute dressing and ingredients, then serve chilled for maximum freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to make the dish lighter and add protein.
• Crumble bacon just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary alternatives that suit different nutritional needs.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to keep vegetables crisp and fresh, mixing just before serving to prevent wilting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg