why make this recipe
BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It’s perfect for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, or as a side dish for any gathering. This salad combines all the flavors you love in a BLT — crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes — into a delicious pasta dish. It’s easy to make, and it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s light and refreshing, making it a great choice for warmer days.
how to make BLT Pasta Salad
Making BLT Pasta Salad is quick and simple. Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
how to serve BLT Pasta Salad
Serve BLT Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or just on its own for a light meal. You can garnish it with some additional parsley or basil for extra flavor and a pop of color.
how to store BLT Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3 days. If the salad seems dry after sitting in the fridge, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar for added moisture.
tips to make BLT Pasta Salad
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits.
- Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
variation
For a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more hearty dish. You can also swap out the romaine for spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Bowtie, fusilli, or shell pasta would work great!
How can I make it vegan?
You can use plant-based bacon, vegan mayonnaise, and skip the cheese if you include it.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.
BLT Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes for a light and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve cold or at room temperature. Can be garnished with parsley or basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
