BLT Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

BLT Pasta Salad: the ultimate summer side dish that will disappear faster than you can say “bacon, lettuce, and tomato!” Imagine the smoky, salty crunch of perfectly cooked bacon mingling with the cool, crisp freshness of lettuce and juicy tomatoes, all tossed together with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. Sounds heavenly, right?

While the exact origins of the BLT sandwich are debated, its popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, becoming a diner staple and a symbol of simple, satisfying comfort food. This BLT Pasta Salad takes all the best elements of that classic sandwich and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor combination. The salty bacon, the refreshing vegetables, and the creamy dressing create a symphony of tastes and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this BLT Pasta Salad recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 2-3 medium)
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I always say, don’t skimp on the salt! It really flavors the pasta.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so you want it to be firm but cooked through. Usually, this is around 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately in a colander. Don’t let it sit in the hot water, or it will continue to cook and become mushy.
4. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This is crucial for pasta salad, as you don’t want the pasta to be warm when you add the other ingredients.
5. Shake off any excess water and set the pasta aside to drain completely. You can even pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it’s not too watery.

Preparing the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or even in the microwave. My personal favorite method is baking it in the oven because it’s less messy and the bacon cooks evenly.
2. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
3. Skillet Method: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, or the bacon will steam instead of crisping up. You may need to cook it in batches.
4. Microwave Method: Place bacon strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice, depending on the thickness of the bacon and the power of your microwave. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
5. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan or baking sheet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
6. Let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. I like to use my hands for this, but you can also use a knife or a food processor.

Making the Dressing

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a little more vinegar if you like it tangy. I usually add a pinch more salt and pepper to really bring out the flavors.
4. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Assembling the Pasta Salad

1. In the same large bowl that you used for the dressing, add the cooked and cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
2. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, or the tomatoes and lettuce will become mushy.
3. If you’re using cheddar cheese and red onion, add them now and toss gently to combine.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
5. Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. The dressing may have settled to the bottom of the bowl.
6. Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar.
7. Serve the BLT pasta salad chilled. It’s perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. You can also serve it as a light lunch or dinner.

Tips and Variations

• Pasta: Feel free to use any type of pasta you like in this salad. Rotini, penne, farfalle (bow tie), and elbow macaroni all work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente.
• Bacon: You can use regular bacon, thick-cut bacon, or even turkey bacon in this recipe. If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked bacon bits.
• Tomatoes: I prefer to use Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes in this salad, but any type of tomato will work. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is my go-to for this salad, but you can also use iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, or even spinach.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic addition to BLT pasta salad, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even crumbled blue cheese.
• Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can leave it out or substitute it with green onions or chives.
• Avocado: For a creamier and healthier twist, add diced avocado to the pasta salad just before serving.
• Corn: Grilled or roasted corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and texture to the salad.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can add a burst of flavor to the salad.
• Make-Ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.
• Vegan Option: To make this pasta salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and vegan bacon. You can also omit the cheese or use vegan cheese.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce may wilt slightly over time, but the salad will still taste delicious.

Serving Suggestions

BLT pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.
• Serve it as a light lunch with a side of fruit or vegetables.
• Serve it as a main course with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Serve it in a wrap or sandwich for a quick and easy meal.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this BLT pasta salad recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This BLT Pasta Salad isn’t just another pasta salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of summer flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing combine to create a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta – rotini, penne, or even farfalle would work beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, you can easily substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar smoky flavor. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can transform it into a complete and satisfying meal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating other vegetables like avocado, corn, or bell peppers for an extra burst of freshness and color. Serving Suggestions: This BLT Pasta Salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, chicken, or fish. It’s a great side dish for any summer gathering, and it’s also a delicious and portable option for picnics and potlucks. For a more elegant presentation, serve it in individual mason jars or small bowls. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Variations to Explore: * Spicy BLT Pasta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a fiery kick. * Mediterranean BLT Pasta Salad: Incorporate Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a Mediterranean twist. * Avocado BLT Pasta Salad: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. * BLT Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken: Grill some chicken breasts and slice them thinly to add protein and heartiness. I’m confident that you’ll love this BLT Pasta Salad as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this BLT Pasta Salad. Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] and let me know what variations you tried. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!

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