If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful salad that combines the best parts of a classic BLT sandwich with a delightful pasta twist, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect way to enjoy crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a creamy, tangy dressing all tossed together with tender rotini pasta. The combination delivers a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory goodness that’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing balance between texture, flavor, and color that makes this dish truly shine.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Perfect for holding onto all that creamy dressing and adding a comforting bite.
- 1 lb bacon: Crispy and smoky, bacon is the star that gives the salad its signature flavor.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, they add a pop of freshness and vibrant color.
- 4 green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and a lovely crunch.
- 4 cups lettuce: Finely chopped for a crisp, refreshing base that lightens up the pasta.
- ¾ cup ranch dressing: Creamy with just the right herbs and tang to bind everything beautifully.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the dressing cling to every ingredient.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- ¼ tsp paprika: Gives a hint of smoky sweetness with a touch of color.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the whole salad with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon slices in a large skillet until they’re beautifully crispy. This is where the smoky, savory foundation of your salad is made. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set these aside to bring that irresistible crunch and flavor to the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the bacon cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook following the package instructions until al dente—meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and let it cool. This is critical because you don’t want warm pasta wilting your fresh veggies later!
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the finely chopped lettuce, sliced grape tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Add the cooled pasta and crispy bacon pieces. This colorful mix lays the foundation for the creamy dressing to marry all the flavors nicely.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. This dressing is where the creamy richness meets a subtle tang and smoky touch, bringing your salad to life. Pour it over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss everything together thoroughly. Finally, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the salad just before serving. This not only enhances the appearance but also layers in subtle herbal notes that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully as the star of a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or your favorite barbecue fare. Its crisp, creamy texture perfectly complements smoky, grilled flavors and anything from savory sausages to marinated tofu.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for an adorable portable option. Or layer the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off all the vibrant ingredients—perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering. You can even stuff it into pita pockets for a mobile lunch treat that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BLT Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, you might want to store the salad and dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables tend to separate and become watery once thawed, which can affect the overall texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad tastes best cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If you want to enjoy it after chilling, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, other shapes like fusilli or penne work just as well and provide a nice texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
You can skip the bacon and add smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a smoky crunch that keeps the dish satisfying without the meat.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The entire process takes about 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up even on busy days.
Can this salad be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the ranch and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, and check the labels to ensure no hidden dairy ingredients.
What’s the best way to get the bacon extra crispy?
Cook the bacon on medium heat, flipping frequently to prevent burning and allow the fat to render evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is genuinely one of those all-time favorite dishes that bring comfort and freshness to every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share it with your loved ones—trust me, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the hearty texture of rotini pasta, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family dinners. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, grape tomatoes, and green onions are tossed with a creamy ranch and mayonnaise dressing seasoned with garlic, paprika, and lemon juice for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Bacon
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb bacon
Vegetables
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 4 cups lettuce, finely chopped
Dressing
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then cut into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Toss: Chop the lettuce and green onions finely and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the halved grape tomatoes. Then, add the cooled pasta and crispy bacon pieces. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- Make the Dressing and Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice until smooth. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad mixture and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative to make this recipe leaner or vegetarian-friendly (if using vegetarian bacon).
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Use fresh, crisp lettuce such as romaine for the best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
