If you love the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but crave something a little more refreshing and perfect for sharing, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining crisp bacon, fresh Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado with hearty rotini pasta all tossed in a tangy ranch-based dressing, this dish is bursting with color, texture, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, a potluck, or a quick family meal, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of tastes and textures in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. From the crunchy bacon to the creamy avocado, every component brings something special to the bowl.
- Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (dry): This provides the signature tangy, savory base that makes the dressing so crave-worthy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and balances the sharpness of the dressing mix.
- Sour cream: Lightens the dressing and adds a subtle tang for depth.
- Rotini pasta: Its corkscrew shape grabs onto every bit of dressing and ingredients perfectly.
- Bacon: Cook it until crisp; the smoky, salty crunch is essential for authentic BLT flavor.
- Red onion: Adds a mild bite and pops of vibrant color.
- Cheddar cheese: Diced into small cubes for pockets of savory richness.
- Romaine lettuce: Finely chopped to bring fresh crunch and a light earthy note.
- Avocados: Creamy and buttery, they make each bite extra luscious.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and perfectly sized to complement the other ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: A bright herbal finish that lifts the whole salad.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the dressing is chilled and ready to coat your salad perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, crisp crumbled bacon, diced red onion, juicy cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, diced cheddar cheese, cubed avocado, and fresh parsley. Toss these ingredients gently but thoroughly so they’re evenly distributed and every bite has a great mix of textures and flavors.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the chilled dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss everything together until every ingredient is beautifully coated with that creamy ranch dressing. This final toss ensures the flavors combine and the salad is vibrant and inviting. Serve this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe immediately for the freshest experience or refrigerate for a bit to allow the flavors to marry.
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe from tasty to show-stopping. Try scattering a few extra crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and smokiness. Sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions for a fresh herbal note and bright color. A light dusting of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the salad wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines wonderfully as a main or a side. It pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even alongside a cold-cut sandwich for a picnic feast. If you’re planning a bigger meal, consider serving it with garlic bread, fresh fruit, or steamed veggies to round out a colorful, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in mini Mason jars for individual portions perfect for parties or packed lunches. Alternatively, hollow out a large tomato or a small watermelon for a fun and edible bowl. Layering the salad in clear glass bowls highlights all those vibrant colors and textures that make this dish so enticing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BLT Pasta Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The key is to keep it chilled to preserve freshness, especially because of the avocado and lettuce. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
Because this recipe contains fresh lettuce and avocado, freezing is not recommended as it will cause textural changes and unpleasant sogginess upon thawing. For best results, enjoy the salad fresh or within a couple of days of making it.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you do want a warm dish, consider using the pasta and bacon components separately and adding a warm sauce for a completely different meal experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because it holds the dressing well, you can substitute fusilli, penne, or even small shells. Just be sure the pasta is cooked al dente and well rinsed with cold water to stop cooking before mixing with the salad ingredients.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To delay browning, toss the avocado pieces gently with a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. Also, adding the avocado just before serving helps maintain its fresh appearance and creamy texture in your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika-seasoned tofu for a similar savory crunch. The salad’s robust flavors will still shine beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but with a few precautions. Prepare all components separately and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess, especially because of the lettuce and avocado. Store the dressing apart and toss at the last moment for the freshest taste.
What dressing can I use if I don’t have ranch mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix handy, try a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a splash of buttermilk or milk to create a homemade ranch-style dressing that captures similar flavors.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a celebration of fresh, comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for so many occasions. Next time you want something delicious that brings everyone together, give this recipe a try — I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with a creamy ranch dressing and hearty rotini pasta. Packed with crispy bacon, fresh Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese, this salad is a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 ounce package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Salad
- 16 ounce box rotini pasta (cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water)
- 1 pound bacon (cooked until crisp then crumbled)
- 1/2 red onion (peeled and diced)
- 8 ounce block of cheddar cheese (diced)
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
- 1–2 avocados (peeled and chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth and fully combined. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, crumbled crispy bacon, diced red onion, diced cheddar cheese, chopped Romaine lettuce, chopped avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing and serve: Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Cook the bacon ahead of time or use pre-cooked bacon to save prep time.
- Make sure pasta is completely cooled to prevent dressing from becoming watery.
- Add avocados just before serving to avoid browning.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Feel free to swap out Romaine for your favorite lettuce or leafy greens.
