If you are craving a dish that brings together the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the fresh crunch of lettuce and tangy tomatoes all tossed with tender pasta, you have to try this Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic BLT sandwich, but with the added comfort and heartiness of pasta that makes it perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or even weekend barbecues. The creamy, flavorful dressing combined with the vibrant textures makes every bite simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe a standout. Each component plays its part, from the rotini providing the perfect bite and surface for the dressing, to the crispy bacon adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fresh veggies.
- 16 ounces rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the dressing wonderfully, ensuring flavor in every forkful.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness, balancing out the tangy and smoky elements.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a subtle tang that brightens the dressing’s profile.
- 2-3 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky-sweet depth that enhances the bacon’s flavor perfectly.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Provides a gentle kick without overpowering the salad.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: A splash of acidity to lift the flavors and keep everything fresh.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that highlights all other ingredients.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Dash cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle warmth that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 bunch green onions (sliced): Adds crisp texture and a mild onion flavor.
- 2-4 tomatoes (chopped): Fresh, juicy bursts that bring brightness and color.
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce (chopped): Provides a refreshing crunch to lighten each bite.
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled): The star ingredient – smoky, crispy, and utterly delicious.
How to Make Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a couple of quarts of water in a 3-quart pot. Add a tablespoon of salt to season the pasta water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, toss in the rotini and stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means tender but still with a bit of bite—this ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture when tossed with the dressing.
Step 2: Cool the Pasta
Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. If you’re in a hurry, adding a few ice cubes while stirring will chill the pasta faster. If your dressing isn’t quite ready yet, drizzle the pasta with a bit of olive oil and toss gently to prevent the noodles from clumping together.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of your Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe—rich, tangy, and smoky all at once.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the cooled pasta to the dressing bowl along with the sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped iceberg lettuce. Stir everything gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly. Just before serving, fold in the crispy bacon bits to maintain their crunch and flavor. Keep the salad refrigerated until it’s time to enjoy.
How to Serve Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. You can also add a few cherry tomato halves or bacon pieces for a pretty presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a well-rounded summer meal. It’s also fantastic as a standalone dish when you want something hearty, satisfying, and simple.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual mason jars or colorful bowls for a fun, casual vibe at parties or picnics. Another great idea is layering the salad in a clear trifle dish to show off its vibrant ingredients, instantly making it a centerpiece your guests will admire before they dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option that stays flavorful and fresh.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing. The lettuce and tomatoes tend to get soggy after freezing and thawing, which changes the texture unfavorably.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, it’s perfect served straight from the fridge. If you prefer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors and soften the pasta slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle also work well. Just choose a pasta that can catch the dressing and mix nicely with the ingredients.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
You can skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or a smoky seasoning to the dressing for that classic BLT flavor without the meat. Toasted nuts or crispy chickpeas can add the crunch that bacon usually provides.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To veganize this Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives, use a plant-based bacon substitute, and ensure your BBQ sauce is free from animal products. This way, you keep the spirit of the dish intact.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the salad a few hours ahead but add the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. If you add the bacon too early, it may lose its texture.
Can I adjust the dressing to be less creamy?
Yes! You can reduce the mayonnaise and sour cream and add a bit more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to lighten it up. Just keep a balance so the dressing still clings nicely to the pasta and veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and delightful about this Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it one of my absolute favorites to whip up for any occasion. It’s fresh, flavorful, and brings that special combination of creamy, crunchy, and smoky in every bite. I encourage you to try it out soon—you might just discover your new go-to salad that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy BLT Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with hearty rotini pasta, creating a creamy, tangy, and refreshing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. Featuring a zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, and spices, it is packed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, green onions, and crispy bacon for a satisfying and delicious salad.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2–3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (or to taste)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Dash cayenne pepper
Salad
- 1/2 bunch green onions (sliced, to taste)
- 2–4 tomatoes (chopped, depending on preference)
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce (chopped, or more to taste)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled/chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a 3-quart pot, bring a couple quarts of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions. Avoid overcooking.
- Cool the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. To speed cooling, you may add ice cubes and gently stir. If you’re not ready to toss the salad immediately, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing along with the sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped iceberg lettuce. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Bacon and Serve: Just before serving, stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon. Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to enjoy for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on preferred level of tanginess and sweetness in the dressing.
- For best results, use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and flavor.
- Chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving enhances the flavors.
- Optional: add a drizzle of olive oil to pasta if not mixing immediately to prevent clumping.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
