BLT Pasta Salad Recipe (Creamy & Crunchy)
BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that brings together the flavors of crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce in a creamy dressing. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or a quick family meal.It’s customizable, easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. Serve it fresh, and enjoy a new twist on the classic BLT!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces pasta rotini, bowtie, or penne
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 avocado diced (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- ¼ cup sour cream or more mayo for extra creaminess
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Let the bacon cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the red onion and dice the avocado (if using).
Step 4: Make the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and avocado just before serving to keep them fresh.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- If refrigerating, add extra dressing before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of it.