If you’re on the hunt for a fresh twist on a beloved classic, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining all the crave-worthy flavors of a BLT sandwich with the satisfying heft of pasta, every bite bursts with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s an effortless salad that feels special and comforting at the same time—perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just elevating your weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for easy entertaining or a flavorful side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing the taste, texture, and color, making this salad as beautiful as it is delicious. From the hearty bowtie pasta that carries all the flavors to the crisp bacon adding a smoky crunch, every element shines on its own and together.
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto that luscious dressing and mixing effortlessly with the rest of the ingredients.
- 8 ounces bacon (about 8 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible smoky, crispy bits that are the heart of this salad.
- 4 ounces shredded lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and bright green color that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered): These sweet bursts of juiciness perfectly contrast the smoky bacon.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness as the base for the dressing.
- ½ cup avocado ranch dressing (or regular ranch dressing): Brings a flavorful tang and herby notes, with avocado ranch adding a subtle creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Delivers a bright acidity that balances the richness of the dressings.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the dressing.
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering.
- Pinch of granulated sugar: Balances the tanginess with a hint of sweetness.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing the cooked and drained bowtie pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and cherry tomatoes together in a large bowl. This step sets the base for your salad, ensuring each bite has a little bit of everything that makes the BLT classic so irresistible.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, avocado ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, ground mustard, sea salt, and just a pinch of sugar. This creamy and tangy dressing is what brings all the ingredients together and gives the salad its signature flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently stir until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix—you want all the components to maintain a bit of texture and not get mushy. Once mixed, your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your BLT Pasta Salad even more inviting, try topping it with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon on top can also add an impressive visual and taste boost that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a versatile side dish alongside almost anything from grilled chicken to barbecue ribs or even a veggie burger for a lighter meal. It balances rich proteins with fresh veggies perfectly and adds a touch of comfort to any spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in cute mason jars for picnics or potlucks, letting everyone have their own portion. Alternatively, using a colorful bowl or layering the salad ingredients in clear glass bowls lets the vibrant colors make a bright statement at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen with a little time, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad since the lettuce and dressing can become watery and lose texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes after removing from the fridge to take the chill off; that way, the flavors really shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great because it holds the dressing well, you can swap in rotini, penne, or even shells depending on what you have on hand and your texture preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
You can make this salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for that crunchy, smoky vibe. The dressing remains just as delicious and ties the salad together beautifully.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be whisked together up to a day in advance. Just give it a quick stir before mixing into the salad. This helps save time and develops the flavors even more.
What if I don’t have avocado ranch dressing?
No worries—you can use regular ranch dressing or even a mix of ranch and a little sour cream. The key is getting that creamy tang to complement the bacon and veggies.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp in the salad?
To keep lettuce crisp, shred it just before combining with the pasta and other ingredients, and toss gently. Storing the salad in an airtight container and chilling it right away also helps maintain that fresh crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of all those classic BLT flavors you love but with a fun pasta twist. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining crispy bacon, tender bowtie pasta, crunchy lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes with a tangy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is easy to prepare with no cooking required beyond pasta and bacon, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (cooked and drained)
- 8 ounces bacon (cooked and crumbled – about 8 slices)
- 4 ounces shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup avocado ranch dressing (or regular ranch dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, avocado ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, ground mustard, fine sea salt, and a pinch of granulated sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring a creamy and flavorful finish.
Notes
- For best results, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Use crispy cooked bacon for maximum flavor and texture contrast.
- Feel free to substitute avocado ranch dressing with regular ranch dressing if preferred.
- This salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
