If you’ve ever craved a delicious combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and pasta all in one bite, then this BLT Pasta Salad is exactly what you need! This recipe brings the timeless flavor of the classic BLT sandwich into a delightful and easy-to-make pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends while also satisfying your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic of this BLT Pasta Salad lies in its versatility. Not only does it combine all the glorious flavors of a traditional BLT, but it also provides a comforting base of pasta, making it filling and satisfying. Here are some reasons why you’ll want to whip up this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute side dish or a meal on its own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen or to fit your dietary preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making meal times a little easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect BLT Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your delicious BLT Pasta Salad.
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want mushy pasta!
2. Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Mix until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Set aside for now.
3. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then crumble it into pieces.
4. Combine Ingredients
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
5. Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until it’s well coated. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir that in at this step as well.
6. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let your BLT Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your BLT Pasta Salad is ready to be enjoyed, you might be wondering how to best serve and store it.
1. Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad works wonderfully as a side dish or a light meal. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers at a summer barbecue, or have it as a filling lunch option. For a bit of extra flair, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
2. Storage Tips
If there are leftovers (which may be a challenge because it’s so scrumptious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. Note that the longer it sits, the softer the lettuce may get, but it will still be tasty!
Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make your BLT Pasta Salad even better:
- Cook your pasta with a bit of olive oil: Adding a splash of olive oil to the water can help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Experiment with different types of pasta: While rotini works well, feel free to try penne, fusilli, or farfalle for added fun.
- Make it lighter: You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
- Add extras: Consider mixing in additional vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce fat and calories while still enjoying that smoky flavor.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Just remember to add the lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette. Both will add a delicious twist to the flavor profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding additional vegetables or some chickpeas for protein.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this BLT Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Its combination of crispy bacon, fresh ingredients, and creamy dressing brings joy to each bite, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Next time you need a crowd-pleasing recipe or a simple weeknight dinner, turn to this easy salad. Trust me; it won’t disappoint!
Delicious BLT Pasta Salad Quick Easy Summer Side Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savor this delicious BLT Pasta Salad, a quick, easy summer side dish that combines fresh flavors for a perfect BBQ or picnic treat
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a medium bowl.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and crumble it.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, and chopped lettuce.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together. Stir in Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- minutes: 30
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams