This BLT Pasta Salad combines yummy pasta with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. It’s a perfect mix for a tasty meal or side dish on a sunny day!
You can’t go wrong with bacon and pasta, right? I just toss everything together and enjoy! It’s quick and always a hit at gatherings—people really love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the creamy dressing, but you can swap it with any spiral pasta like fusilli or gemelli. Even elbow macaroni works in a pinch!
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for a crunchier texture, but turkey bacon is a great alternative for a healthier option. You can also try crispy pancetta for a different flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but if they’re out of season, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just make sure to drain extra juice!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives great crunch, but feel free to substitute with iceberg lettuce for a similar effect or even spinach for extra nutrition.
Mayo & Sour Cream: For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream. If you want a vegan option, look for plant-based mayo.
How Do I Ensure the Pasta Stays Fresh and Delicious?
Cooking the pasta just right is key! Follow these steps:
- Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with other ingredients.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Eating it chilled helps the flavors blend together! Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
These little tips will keep your salad fresh and tasty, perfect for a picnic or a family meal! Enjoy!
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful BLT Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes from start to finish, but most of that time is just letting it cool down and the flavors mix together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop it from cooking further. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are nice and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra grease. After it cools down a bit, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined. This creamy dressing will add fantastic flavor to your pasta salad!
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Take a moment to mix these ingredients gently—this way, everything gets evenly distributed before adding the dressing.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently. Make sure every piece of pasta and vegetable is coated with the creamy dressing. It’s all about mixing it up so every bite is flavorful!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows all the flavors to meld together and makes it extra refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir, and you’re good to go!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious BLT Pasta Salad chilled, and enjoy a bowl of this creamy, crunchy goodness. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a casual dinner at home!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free rotini or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and the salad will be just as delicious!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
The BLT Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken a bit when chilled.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding diced avocado, shredded cheese, or even chopped green onions. Just keep in mind that extra ingredients can change the overall flavor and texture.
What Should I Serve with This Salad?
This salad makes a great side dish, but it can also be a filling main course! Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even a light soup for a complete meal. Enjoy!