BLT Pasta Salad

I still remember the first time I tried this BLT Pasta Salad. I had a BBQ planned with close friends, and I wanted to create something quick, yet packed with flavor. As I looked around my kitchen, the idea sparked — why not take the classic BLT sandwich and turn it into a refreshing, creamy pasta salad? I grabbed a few basic ingredients, and within minutes, a new favorite dish was born.

This recipe brings together everything I love about summer dishes. It’s bright, fresh, and wonderfully creamy. The crunch from the lettuce, the juiciness of the cherry tomatoes, and the smoky turkey bacon blend beautifully with tender pasta. Every bite feels like comfort and simplicity combined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this BLT Pasta Salad is now a staple in my kitchen. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. You only need around 25 minutes from start to finish. That means you can whip it up even on busy days without any stress.

Plus, this recipe is packed with flavors that everyone loves. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, it always gets plenty of compliments. I love how easily it fits into almost any occasion.

Versatile
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Sometimes, I like to add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. You can also swap out the turkey bacon for beef strips if you prefer.

Even the dressing can be changed to suit your taste. Mixing ranch with a bit of mayo creates extra creaminess, but you could also use a dairy-free dressing to keep it light.

Budget-Friendly
Another reason I adore this recipe is its affordability. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, making it a great option when I need to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, and a few pantry staples — that’s really all it takes.

Ingredients for Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious BLT Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

• 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• 3/4 cup ranch dressing (or a mix of ranch and mayo for extra creaminess)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish

This dish truly shows that simple ingredients can create something exceptional.

How to Make This Recipe

Let me walk you through how I make this BLT Pasta Salad at home. Honestly, this is one of the easiest recipes in my collection. I love how it comes together so quickly, yet delivers such bold, satisfying flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

First, I always start by cooking the pasta. I bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add a good pinch of salt. This simple step ensures that the pasta has enough flavor right from the beginning. I usually use rotini or penne, as their shape holds the creamy dressing so well. Once the pasta is tender, I drain it immediately.

Next, I rinse the cooked pasta under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly. I make sure the pasta is completely cool before moving on. This keeps the lettuce crisp later.

While the pasta cools, I prepare the other ingredients. I chop the cherry tomatoes into halves. Then, I cook the turkey bacon until it becomes nice and crispy. Once cooled, I crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces.

I also chop the romaine or iceberg lettuce into thin slices. If I am using red onion, I finely chop it as well. Sometimes, I like to shred a bit of cheddar cheese for extra richness, but it’s entirely optional.

Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, crumbled turkey bacon, chopped lettuce, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Quick and Easy

This is where the magic really happens. I pour the ranch dressing over the mixture. For extra creaminess, I sometimes add a spoonful of mayo along with the ranch. Then, I toss everything well to make sure every piece is coated evenly.

The seasoning comes next. I sprinkle a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If I have fresh herbs like chives or parsley on hand, I like to chop and sprinkle them on top for extra color and flavor.

Customizable

This recipe is easy to customize. When I want to add more crunch, I sometimes toss in diced cucumbers or bell peppers. If I need to make it dairy-free, I skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing. The base of pasta, turkey bacon, and tomatoes remains delicious, no matter what.

Crowd-Pleasing

I always chill this salad in the fridge for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully. Every time I serve this dish, it’s a big hit. People love the creamy dressing, the smoky bacon, and the fresh vegetables.

I’ve taken this BLT Pasta Salad to many potlucks and BBQs. It’s always gone by the end of the meal. That’s why I keep this recipe handy. It’s fast, it’s easy, and everyone enjoys it.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare this BLT Pasta Salad a few hours in advance. I simply keep it covered in the fridge until it’s time to serve. However, I always add the lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?
I prefer using rotini or penne pasta. Their shapes are perfect for holding the creamy dressing and all the mix-ins. Though, other short pasta shapes like farfalle or fusilli also work wonderfully.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
After cooking the pasta, I rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also prevents it from sticking. A quick drizzle of dressing right after cooling also helps keep everything separate.

Can I use another dressing instead of ranch?
Absolutely. Sometimes I swap the ranch for a lighter vinaigrette or even a dairy-free dressing. The base recipe is flexible and works with many dressings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! I simply use gluten-free pasta, which works just as well. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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