There’s something magical about a summery BLT Pasta Salad that makes it the ultimate dish for warm days. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta mingling with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a picnic in a bowl, ready to make your taste buds sing. For more inspiration, check out this appetizer ideas recipe.
The best part? This dish brings back memories of backyard BBQs, laughter echoing through the air, and the delightful chaos of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last helping. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or just whipping it up for dinner, this salad is bound to impress. For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This fabulous BLT Pasta Salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor explosion of bacon and fresh veggies will have you coming back for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper at any gathering
- Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your personal taste or dietary needs
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; they practically inhaled it! Their delighted faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I love using rotini because it’s perfect for holding onto that creamy dressing.
- Bacon: Go for thick-cut bacon; its rich flavor adds a delightful crunch and savory depth.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for vibrant red tomatoes; their sweetness really brightens up the salad.
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crispy romaine adds the ideal crunch and freshness to balance the flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Choose full-fat mayo for creaminess; you can mix in Greek yogurt for tanginess if desired.
- Mustard: A dash of Dijon mustard enhances flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to your preferences to elevate every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Crisp the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy—about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease while keeping that smoky aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed—it should be creamy but not overpowering.
Toss Ingredients Together: Add cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon into the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
Chill and Serve!: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully! Serve chilled or at room temperature for best results.
Enjoy every mouthful of this delicious BLT Pasta Salad! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household just like mine!
You Must Know
- This delightful BLT Pasta Salad is not just a summer hit; it’s also a versatile dish for any gathering
- The blend of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes creates an explosion of flavors
- Plus, it’s a breeze to assemble
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your pasta al dente, then let it cool while preparing your dressing and ingredients. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences! Try adding grilled chicken for protein or avocado for creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, enjoy cold rather than reheated.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor impact; it makes all the difference in taste
- Always chill your pasta before mixing it with the dressing to maintain freshness and crunch
- Finally, add tomatoes just before serving to prevent sogginess
Cooking this BLT Pasta Salad brings back fond memories of backyard barbecues where laughter and delicious food reigned supreme.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add fresh veggies right before serving to keep them crisp.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini or fusilli are ideal as they hold onto the dressing perfectly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh for a tasty plant-based option.
BLT Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
BLT Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This delightful salad combines al dente rotini pasta with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh romaine lettuce, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks or casual family dinners, this recipe is quick to prepare and offers endless customization options. Enjoy the nostalgia of backyard barbecues with each delicious mouthful!
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon to the dressing. Gently mix until combined.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap out ingredients; grilled chicken or avocado can add extra protein and creaminess. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; enjoy cold for best flavor.
