This BLT Pasta Salad is a tasty twist on the classic sandwich! It combines pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all mixed with a creamy dressing.
It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks, and you can whip it up in no time. I love how colorful it looks—it’s like a party in a bowl! 🌟 Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its shape holds the dressing well. You can swap it for any short pasta like penne or fusilli if you prefer something different.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is key for that classic BLT flavor! Turkey bacon or veggie bacon can be great alternatives for a leaner option or to avoid pork.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add bursts of sweetness! If they’re out of season, you can use larger tomatoes cut into chunks or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Avocado: Creamy and nutritious, avocados are perfect here. If you’re not a fan, try using diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Romaine Lettuce: It gives crunch and color. You could also use spinach or kale if you want a bit more nutrition or a different texture.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Stays Light and Tasty?
Cooling the pasta properly is crucial! After draining, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Don’t forget to season the boiling water! A little salt goes a long way in flavoring the pasta.
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This helps to keep everything fresh.
Delicious BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Estimated Time:
This delicious pasta salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and about 20 minutes putting together the ingredients and dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or to impress your friends at a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and fry the bacon strips over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Once it’s cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and sliced avocado. It’s a colorful combination—get ready for that delicious taste!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in that yummy dressing.
6. Season and Serve:
Take a quick taste of your salad, and feel free to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. You can serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your fresh and delightful BLT Pasta Salad!
This recipe merges the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion! Happy cooking! 🥗🥓🍅
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute traditional rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions specific to the gluten-free pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the bacon. You could add in some smoked tempeh or mushrooms sautéed in olive oil to give it a savory flavor without meat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad can be a bit saucy, so give it a light toss with a splash of dressing before serving to refresh it!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or green onions for added crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!