This BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about the classic sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce—tossed with pasta and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a fast and satisfying lunch.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love It
✔ True BLT flavors in every bite
✔ Meal-prep friendly (tastes even better the next day!)
✔ No fancy ingredients—ready in 30 minutes
✔ Crowd-pleasing for potlucks and BBQs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
- 8 ounces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped fresh lettuce (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl or jar
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Pasta
Drain the cooked pasta in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will also prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon and Tomatoes
Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or microwave). Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, and halved or quartered cherry tomatoes.
Step 6: Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
Step 7: Toss to Combine
Gently toss everything together until the pasta, bacon, and tomatoes are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 8: Add the Lettuce
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh lettuce. Adding the lettuce right before serving prevents it from wilting.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions. Serve immediately or chill for later. If chilling, you may want to add a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream before serving if the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ For crunch: Add ½ cup croutons or sunflower seeds.
✅ Make ahead: Prep everything except lettuce up to 24 hours in advance.
✅ Lighter option: Swap mayo/Greek yogurt and reduce bacon to ½ lb.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, 1/8th of recipe)
| Calories 380 | Protein 12g | Carbs 35g | Sugar 5g |
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Picnic perfect: Pack in mason jars.
- Main dish: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Potluck star: Double the recipe!
Enjoy your delicious BLT Pasta Salad!
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