Description
BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic BLT sandwich, blending crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or meal prep, this crowd-pleasing salad is quick to make and full of flavor. Whether served as a side or a light entrée, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
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8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 green onions or ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool. -
Cook the Bacon:
Fry or bake bacon until crispy. Let cool, then chop into small pieces. -
Make the Dressing:
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. -
Chop the Veggies:
Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. -
Combine:
In a large bowl, toss pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and onions with the dressing. -
Add Lettuce:
Fold in chopped lettuce just before serving to maintain crispness.
Notes
Add lettuce right before serving to keep it fresh.
Chill pasta completely before mixing.
Customize with avocado, cheese, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.
Store dressing separately if prepping ahead
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BLT Pasta Salad, summer salad, picnic recipe, easy pasta salad, bacon salad, creamy pasta salad, potluck dish