Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not just good, it’ll be good. *dangerously* good. Think creamy, dreamy pasta salad, but with all the salty, smoky, crunchy goodness of a perfect BLT. What’s like a potato salad? What is the time of year? What is a BLT Pasta Salad? What do you do on a weeknight when you can’t even cook? I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your rotation – my family begs for it!
What is BLT Pasta Salad?
What is a BLT Pasta Salad? What is your favorite BLT sandwich, deconstructed and tossed with pasta in a Creamy, tangy dressing? What’s essentially taking all the best parts – crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce – and putting them all together. Combining them with perfectly cooked pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Think of it as a cold pasta salad, elevated with all the classic flavors you know and love. Is this incredibly easy to make, super versatile, and perfect for potlucks, picnics or just a quick snack? What a great dinner. What is the dish you didn’t know you needed?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat BLT Pasta Salad? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. What are some of the best combinations of bacon, sweet tomatoes, and creamy dressing? What is it like to have a flavor explosion in your mouth with every bite? Don’t even get me started on this. You’ve got the tender pasta, the crispy bacon, and the juicy tomatoes. The slightly crisp lettuce. All coming together in perfect harmony.
What is so amazing about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. Is this one of those dishes that comes together in a few minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need to have an appetizer or two? I’m short on time. How do I get Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. All of the ingredients are relatively inexpensive, especially if you catch bacon on sale (which I love).
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. What are some ways to customize this recipe to your liking, adding in other veggies like avocado or cucumber, or both? What are some gluten-free alternatives to pasta? Is it good for meal prep? a chance to meld together. What is your review of BLT Pasta Salad?
How do I make a BLT Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a BLT Pasta Salad? While those are cooking, you’ll chop your tomatoes and lettuce. What’s the best way to serve the dressing? Is it that easy? Is it easy to mess up ingredients?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. I always cook a little extra, because, well, bacon!
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved. Get the sweetest ones you can find – it makes a difference.
* 2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg work great). Make sure it’s really dry so it doesn’t make the salad soggy.
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (optional, but adds a nice bite). I sometimes skip this if I’m making it for my kids, who aren’t huge onion fans.
For the Creamy Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise. Use a good quality mayo – it’s the base of the dressing!
* 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt. This adds a nice tang and keeps the dressing from being too heavy.
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. This brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the mayo.
* 1 tablespoon sugar. Just a touch to balance the acidity.
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a subtle savory note.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. I always add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to season pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do I prevent pasta from sticking together?
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or even in microwave. I prefer to cook it in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. How do you prevent bacon from sticking to your food? Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove any excess grease. What is the best way to break a potato into small pieces?
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a little extra apple cider vinegar for a tangier dressing.
Step 4: Combine
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Set aside. What is the best way to prepare diced red onion? How do you spread the dressing over pasta salad? How do you not overmix lettuce?
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, to keep warm. How do you let the flavors meld together? This step is crucial for developing the best flavor. I find it tastes even better the next day!
Step 6: Serve
Before serving, give the **BLT Pasta Salad** a good stir. Is it necessary to add a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream if it seems dry?
5. What to Serve It With
What do you serve it with?
What is a good BLT Pasta Salad? But it also plays well with others!
For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. What is a refreshing contrast to the heavier grilled fare?
For a Picnic:What is the best way to pack it in a plastic bag and take it to the park?
What is sandwich?What is a good meal to serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables? I love avocado and turkey sandwich!
As a side dish: What are some ofWhat are some good side dishes to serve with grilled fish or steak?
My family often requests this with grilled chicken, especially during summer. We also love to bring it to potlucks – it’s always one of the first things to disappear! It’s so versatile and everyone enjoys it. What is the best BLT Pasta Salad?
How do I make a BLT Pasta Salad?
What is the best BLT Pasta Salad? What are some of the Best Tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Bacon Perfection:Don’t skimp on bacon! Use a good quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Crispy bacon is essential for adding that signature BLT flavor and texture. Is it possible to bake bacon in the oven? Plus, it makes cleanup a breeze!
Tomato Selection: T Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work best because they’re typically sweeter and more flavorful than larger tomatoes. If you’re using larger tomatoes, be sure to remove the seeds and excess liquid to prevent the pasta salad from becoming soggy.
Lettuce Matters: Use crisp, fresh lettuce. Romaine or iceberg lettuce are great choices because they hold up well in pasta salad. Be sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly before adding it to the salad. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy. I like to use a salad spinner to get the lettuce really dry.
Dressing Consistency: Adjust the dressing to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little extra apple cider vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little extra sugar. You can also add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes for a little heat.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the pasta salad, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt and the dressing to become watery. Gently toss everything together until just combined.
Make Ahead: This **BLT Pasta Salad** is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. It’s a great make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or busy weeknights.
One time I tried using pre-cooked bacon bits to save time, and it was a total disaster! The bacon lacked that smoky, crispy flavor and the texture was just all wrong. Trust me, fresh bacon is the way to go! Also, I accidentally used balsamic vinegar instead of Apple Cider vinegar once (oops!) and the dressing was way too strong. Learned my lesson: always double-check your ingredients!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your **BLT Pasta Salad**:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than an hour or two, especially if it’s a warm day. The mayonnaise-based dressing can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce may wilt slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious. If you’re planning on making it ahead of time, you can wait to add the lettuce until just before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the lettuce will become mushy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Glaze Timing Advice: There’s no glaze in this recipe. However, if you’re adding any extra toppings like avocado or croutons, I recommend adding them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite **BLT Pasta Salad** recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to make. It’s become a staple in our house, and I know it will be in yours too. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other pasta salad recipes. I have a feeling you’ll find something you love! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (rotini or penne) Cooked al dente
- 8 oz Bacon Cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper To taste
- 0.5 cup Shredded Lettuce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- Gently fold in the shredded lettuce.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
