blt pasta salad: the ultimate summer comfort food that’s ready in minutes! Picture this: crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. My version of blt pasta salad is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also ridiculously delicious. This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
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My inspiration for this blt pasta salad comes from my love for simple, satisfying meals. No fussy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just good, honest food that brings people together. Forget complicated cooking; it’s all about great taste and ease!
Why You Will Love This blt pasta salad Recipe
This blt pasta salad recipe is the definition of comfort food, but with a fresh twist! It combines all the familiar flavors of a classic blt sandwich into a satisfying pasta salad. It’s quick to throw together, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. One of the best features is that everyone loves it!
What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and al dente pasta create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it an irresistible dish.
Follow us on Pinterest for more quick and easy recipes!Ingredients Needed for This blt pasta salad Recipe
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (rotini, penne, or farfalle work great)
- Bacon: 8 slices, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved
- Lettuce: 1 head of romaine lettuce, shredded
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make This blt pasta salad Recipe
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
- 2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before crumbling for this blt pasta salad..
- 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine.
- 6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the pasta salad stay fresh and tasty.
- 7. Before serving this blt pasta salad, give it another gentle toss and add more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
How to Serve This blt pasta salad Recipe
This blt pasta salad is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even bring it to a potluck.
For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes well with other salads, such as Dense Bean Salad Recipe.
Topping recommendations include a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. For plating, a simple bowl works perfectly, or you can get fancy and arrange it on a platter.
How to Store This blt pasta salad Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover blt pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare ahead this will allow the flavors to develop even more. Freezing: Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise based dressing can separate and the lettuce will become wilted and soggy. Reheating: No need to reheat! This blt pasta salad is best served cold but also you can enjoy it at room temperature.Tips to Make This blt pasta salad Recipe
Ingredient Swaps:- For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta.
- You can substitute turkey bacon for pork bacon.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad.
- Make sure the bacon is crispy so it doesn’t become soggy.
- Don’t add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- Overdressing the salad. Start with less dressing and add more as needed.
- Forgetting to season the dressing. Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors.
Helpful Notes for This blt pasta salad Recipe
- Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, but smaller shapes like rotini or penne work best because they grab more of the dressing.
- Bacon: I prefer center-cut bacon because it’s leaner, but any type of bacon will work.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Full fat mayonnaise will give you the creamiest dressing.
- Sour Cream: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Variation of This blt pasta salad Recipe
Seasonal Twists:- Summer: Add grilled corn kernels or diced avocado for extra seasonal flavor.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash or dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Spring: Add fresh peas or asparagus for a light and refreshing version.
- Chicken blt Pasta Salad: Add grilled or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian blt Pasta Salad: Replace the bacon with sun dried tomatoes or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Add a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick when creating this blt pasta salad.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Mix in some crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese for a tangy flavor.
What goes well with BLT pasta salad?
BLT pasta salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. It’s also a great side dish for barbecues and picnics.
Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BLT pasta salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the lettuce just before serving to prevent it from wilting. Store the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What kind of dressing is best for BLT pasta salad?
A creamy, tangy dressing complements BLT pasta salad perfectly. Ranch dressing, a mayonnaise-based dressing with herbs, or a vinaigrette are all good options. You can customize the dressing to your liking by adding spices or herbs.
What kind of pasta should I use for BLT pasta salad?
Smaller pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work well for BLT pasta salad. These shapes are easy to eat and hold the dressing and ingredients well. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious blt pasta salad as much as I do! It’s the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, easy, and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions or want to share your own variations. I love hearing from you! Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this blt pasta salad!
