This BLT Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! It mixes tasty bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and pasta all in one bowl. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, toss everything together, and you’ve got a colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes. Perfect for picnics!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding the dressing, but any short pasta works well. Penne or fusilli are other fun options. Gluten-free pasta is also a good substitute if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lot of flavor. If you need a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative!
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, but regular diced tomatoes are fine too. Just make sure to drain excess liquid to prevent a watery salad.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh! You can swap it for spinach, kale, or any leafy green you prefer. Just keep in mind that softer leaves will wilt faster.
Mayonnaise: A creamy must-have, but Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute. You could even mix the two for a tasty twist!
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing?
The dressing makes this salad! Start by combining mayonnaise with buttermilk or milk for a creamier texture. Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor. Remember, garlic powder and onion powder pack a flavor punch while keeping it simple.
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste it! Adjust seasoning to your liking – a little more salt or a squeeze of lemon can elevate it.
Mix it into the salad just before serving to keep your greens fresh and crunchy!
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BLT Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will prevent it from getting mushy. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is nice and crispy. Then, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease, and crumble it into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk (or milk), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to mix everything! Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped Romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, place the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy this refreshing and hearty salad cold—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal!
Enjoy your delicious BLT Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini holds the dressing well, feel free to use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute too!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute by combining 2 tablespoons of milk with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! It’s actually better if you let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just add the lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may separate a bit.
