This BLT Pasta Salad combines pasta with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a fun twist on the classic sandwich!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its curves hold onto the dressing well. If you’re out of rotini, any spiral or tubular pasta like fusilli or penne works perfectly too!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon can also provide a similar flavor. For a vegetarian twist, use chickpeas or tempeh bacon for that savory taste!
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems add a burst of flavor. If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine gives that nice crunch and bright color. You can swap it with spinach or arugula if you like a bit of peppery flavor in your salad.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: This creamy base is key to the salad’s richness. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option—just a bit tangier, but still delicious!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh?
To keep your pasta salad fresh and tasty, follow these simple tips:
- Cook pasta al dente so it remains firm after chilling.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to halt cooking and cool it down quickly.
- Mix the salad ingredients just before serving or shortly after chilling, as lettuce may wilt if left too long.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, enjoying them within a few days for the best taste.
Preparing this salad a couple of hours ahead allows those flavors to meld beautifully. Just take it out of the fridge before serving to bring it to a slightly cooler temperature. Happy cooking!
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients List:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious BLT Pasta Salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare, and you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let those wonderful flavors mix. In total, plan for at least 1 hour before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but tender). Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, take out a skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, finely chopped red onion, diced celery, and the crispy bacon pieces into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until it’s well-coated with that tasty dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, take it out, give it a gentle stir, and enjoy this fresh, creamy BLT Pasta Salad!
This salad is not only refreshing but also a fun spin on a classic BLT. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a light meal at home. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with any gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free BLT Pasta Salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the bacon with crispy tempeh or chickpea crumbles for a savory touch. For a vegan option, use dairy-free mayo and yogurt, such as cashew or coconut-based alternatives, to retain the creamy texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the lettuce may begin to wilt over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, olives, or even cheese. Just make sure to adjust the dressing accordingly to balance the added flavors.
