If you’re on the lookout for a dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of the season, this Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich but with the ease and freshness of a pasta salad, bringing together crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy garlic-infused mayo in every bite. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, a potluck, or simply craving something light yet satisfying, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that make summer meals feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe shines because of its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that work in harmony to deliver bold flavor and inviting textures. Each component plays a crucial part, from the tender rotini that soaks up the dressing to the crisp romaine adding a refreshing crunch.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Twisty shapes that hold onto the dressing perfectly and add a fun texture.
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color, essential for that blast of summer freshness.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Brings irresistible smoky crunch that balances the salad beautifully.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a crisp, cool backdrop to the hearty pasta and bacon.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base that coats every ingredient with flavor and keeps things moist.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds a mild onion bite and flecks of green for visual appeal.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky depth that elevates the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your rotini pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente — tender but with a slight bite, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool so it won’t wilt the fresh veggies later.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry your bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden and crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces to scatter through your salad.
Step 3: Prep Your Veggies
As the pasta cools, chop the ripe tomatoes and romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces. Thinly slice the green onions to add a fresh, mild zing—these veggies bring that classic BLT brightness and crunch to the dish.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and flavorful. This simple yet flavorful dressing ties all the ingredients together with a creamy, garlicky kiss.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and the garlic mayo dressing until every piece is nicely coated. Be gentle—you want to mix everything evenly without crushing the fresh ingredients.
Step 6: Chill for Best Flavor
Transfer your Summer BLT Pasta Salad into the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This rest time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more delicious and refreshing.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top the salad with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and an herbal hint. A few additional crispy bacon pieces on top can add extra crunch and flair that makes the dish pop at any gathering.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, corn on the cob, or a crisp green side salad, creating a satisfying summer meal that’s balanced and easy to love. It’s also perfect alongside classic barbecue fare like ribs or burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Summer BLT Pasta Salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or lettuce cups to turn it into bite-sized appetizers. You can also layer it in clear glass bowls for an eye-catching picnic centerpiece showcasing each vibrant ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Summer BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh veggies, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor of the salad will become compromised after thawing.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a good stir to refresh the flavors if it’s been chilled for a while.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini works perfectly because it holds the dressing well, you can swap in fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta—the key is to choose varieties that catch the dressing and ingredients effortlessly.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Yes! You can lighten it up by using a mayo substitute like Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise. Adding extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers also boosts nutrition and crunch.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the pasta and bacon a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Just combine everything and add dressing when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
What if I don’t have garlic powder? What’s a good substitute?
If you’re out of garlic powder, finely minced fresh garlic can work—just use about half a clove and mix it into the dressing. Alternatively, a pinch of garlic salt works but reduce additional salt accordingly.
Can I turn this into a vegetarian recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smokey roasted chickpeas or tempeh bacon for that satisfying smoky flavor and crunch without the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe has quickly earned a special place in my heart for how effortlessly it combines fresh, familiar flavors into one uplifting dish. It’s perfect for warm days when you crave something light but filling, and the balance of crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and creamy dressing keeps you coming back for more. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and let it bring some bright, summery joy to your table.
Print
Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for warm-weather meals. Combining the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with rotini pasta and a creamy garlic-mayo dressing, this salad is packed with crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce, and zesty green onions. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
- Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, dice the ripe tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce. Thinly slice the green onions for garnish and added flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled rotini pasta, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
