BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich—transformed into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a quick lunch, this salad is packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta, all tossed in a tangy dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad combines all the best parts of a BLT with the comfort of pasta. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and can be made ahead of time—making it a go-to dish for gatherings, cookouts, or weekday meals. The mix of crunchy, creamy, and fresh textures makes it totally craveable, and it’s always a hit with crowds.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (rotini, penne, or shells work well)
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: shredded cheese, avocado, or red onion

directions

this recipe

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped lettuce to the bowl.
5. Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
6. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a more refreshing salad.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add avocado chunks or shredded cheddar for extra richness.
• Swap the mayo/sour cream with ranch dressing for a different flavor.
• Mix in cooked chicken to make it a main dish.
• Use arugula or baby spinach instead of traditional lettuce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If making ahead, add the lettuce and bacon just before serving to keep them crisp.
This dish is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, but add the bacon and lettuce right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or bow tie hold up well and grab the dressing.

Can I use bottled dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing adds better flavor and freshness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your bacon and dressing ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Cook it until very crisp, drain well, and add it last to avoid softening.

What kind of lettuce works best?

Romaine or iceberg hold up well and add the classic crunch.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free mayo and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add protein?

Definitely—grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs work great.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, cucumbers, red onion, corn, or bell peppers all go well in this salad.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the texture is best within the first 24 hours.

Conclusion

BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful spin on a classic that comes together in minutes and satisfies every time. With crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and a creamy dressing tossed with pasta, it’s the ultimate dish for warm-weather meals, picnics, or potlucks. It’s simple, customizable, and totally delicious—perfect for any occasion.

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