BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to add a zesty twist to your summer picnic or family gathering, BLT Pasta Salad is an absolute must-try. This crowd-pleasing dish brings the beloved flavors of a classic BLT sandwich into a vibrant, creamy, and delightfully hearty pasta salad. You’ll love how the crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce marry beautifully with savory pasta and a tangy homemade dressing. With minimal prep and a fresh, colorful presentation, BLT Pasta Salad is bound to become your new favorite for everything from quick lunches to big celebrations.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this BLT Pasta Salad was carefully chosen for its distinct role — from bringing in bursts of color to adding irresistible crunch or umami depth. Grab these simple essentials and get ready for a salad that dazzles in both flavor and texture!

• Rotini or penne pasta (12 oz): Short, spiraled or tube pasta holds onto the creamy dressing and delivers the perfect bite.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy pops of sweetness and color that balance out the savory elements of the salad.
• Bacon (8 slices, cooked and crumbled): Savory, smoky crunch is what gives this salad its signature BLT character — make it extra crispy for best results!
• Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (2 cups): Adds that unmistakable BLT crunch and freshness; choose your favorite for either more tender leaves or extra crispness.
• Diced red onion (1/2 cup, optional): Provides a zippy edge and a splash of color if you love a bold flavor kick.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, optional): Creamy, cheesy goodness that melts slightly into the mix and makes every forkful extra satisfying.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the rich, tangy base for the dressing and ties every ingredient together.
• Sour cream (1/4 cup): Lends a tart, velvety smoothness to the dressing for a wonderfully light texture.
• White vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright acidity that balances all the creamy and savory flavors.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A pantry staple that boosts the depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing each ingredient and drawing the flavors together.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle kick that makes this salad sing.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your rotini or penne in a large pot of salted water until it’s just al dente — you want a little bite left for perfect salad texture. Once your pasta is done, drain it promptly and give it a good rinse under cold water to halt the cooking. This simple trick ensures the pasta won’t get mushy as it chills and soaks up the dressing.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

While your pasta cools, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. The blend of creamy and tangy creates a silky dressing that clings to every nook and cranny of the pasta, making each bite deeply flavorful. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you like it zingier or want a little more black pepper punch.

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Chop your lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve your cherry tomatoes, dice your onion (if using), and cook your bacon until crispy before crumbling it into irresistible bits. This step is where you’ll start to notice the BLT Pasta Salad coming together — it’s all about layering colors and textures for a vibrant, mouthwatering final dish.

Step 4: Combine All Your Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and red onion. Pour the creamy dressing generously over everything and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every ingredient gets a glossy coat of flavor. If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese, now’s the perfect time to fold it in for extra richness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and let your BLT Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, and ensures your salad is crisp and refreshing when served. If you’re prepping ahead, stash the lettuce separately and toss it in just before serving to keep things perfectly crunchy.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad

Garnishes

When it comes time to serve your BLT Pasta Salad, don’t hold back on the garnishes! Sprinkle a handful of extra crispy bacon on top, a dash of cracked black pepper, or a flourish of fresh parsley for added color. Even a little extra shredded cheddar can make your serving bowl look irresistible and extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a stand-alone lunch, but it’s also a fabulous sidekick to grilled chicken, burgers, or simple veggie skewers at a barbecue. Serve it with buttery garlic bread or a fresh fruit platter for a satisfying, complete meal that’ll win over both kids and adults alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Spoon individual portions into mason jars for a fun picnic or outdoor gathering, serve in lettuce cups for a light wrap-style option, or layer it in a trifle bowl to showcase all those colorful ingredients. However you serve BLT Pasta Salad, it will steal the spotlight at any event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the lettuce separate and mix it in right before eating — this helps preserve that dreamy crunch. It’s a perfect grab-and-go option for weekday lunches or a next-day snack.

Freezing

Because of its creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, this salad isn’t a great candidate for the freezer. Freezing can cause the dressing to separate and the veggies to lose their crisp texture. If you’d like to prep ahead, simply assemble the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese, then add the lettuce and dressing right before serving.

Reheating

BLT Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge! If you want to refresh leftovers, just give everything a good toss and maybe add a squeeze of lemon or a dash more mayo to revive the flavors. Avoid reheating, as both the lettuce and creamy dressing are best when served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make BLT Pasta Salad in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare all the components and keep them separate in the fridge, especially the lettuce and dressing. Toss everything together about 30 minutes before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

What’s the best pasta shape for BLT Pasta Salad?

Short, ridged pasta like rotini or penne are ideal because they hold onto the creamy dressing and offer a satisfying chew in every bite. Avoid long noodles, which can clump together or feel out of place in a pasta salad.

Is there a lighter version of this salad?

You can easily lighten things up by using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon. Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for a light or Greek yogurt-based dressing if you prefer, and pile in extra veggies for even more freshness.

Can I use different types of lettuce?

Yes! Romaine is classic for its crunch, while iceberg offers a cool, watery snap. You can also mix in baby spinach or arugula for a peppery bite, or use whatever crisp greens you prefer.

How do I transport BLT Pasta Salad for a picnic or potluck?

Keep the lettuce and dressing in separate containers, then toss everything together just before serving. This ensures the salad stays fresh and vibrant, even after a trip to the park or another gathering spot.

Final Thoughts

If you adore classic sandwiches and crave cool, creamy salads, this BLT Pasta Salad is sure to hit all the right notes. It’s incredibly easy, endlessly flexible, and guaranteed to delight a hungry crowd. Give it a try, and let this bright, bacon-y, and irresistibly fresh salad win a place in your regular lineup!

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