BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that takes the beloved flavors of the classic BLT sandwich and transforms them into a vibrant, hearty salad perfect for any occasion. Combining crisp romaine lettuce, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender bow tie pasta, this salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. The creamy ranch dressing, enhanced with a touch of barbecue sauce and black pepper, ties everything together with a tangy, savory finish.

Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, BLT Pasta Salad is easy to prepare and appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a great way to enjoy the familiar BLT ingredients in a refreshing new form, offering both comfort and freshness in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a light main course.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser to bring to gatherings or a simple dish to brighten up your lunch, this BLT Pasta Salad hits the mark with its perfect combination of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Classic BLT flavors reimagined in a pasta salad for a unique, crowd-pleasing dish.
  2. Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
  3. Combination of creamy, crunchy, and smoky elements creates a satisfying texture.
  4. Versatile serving options—great as a side dish or a light meal.
  5. Customizable ingredients allow you to tailor the salad to your taste preferences.

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Ingredients

  • Bow tie pasta
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Cooked bacon strips
  • Ranch dressing
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Black pepper

Variations

  • Add cheese: Toss in shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for extra richness.
  • Make it spicy: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  • Vegetarian version: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
  • Add veggies: Include cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for more crunch and color.
  • Swap dressing: Use a vinaigrette or creamy Caesar dressing for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the romaine lettuce and dice the tomato. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook and Chop Bacon

Cook bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Mix Dressing

In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, diced tomato, and bacon. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after chilling.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly.
  • Crisp bacon adds great texture; avoid soggy bacon by draining well.
  • Toss salad gently to keep lettuce crisp and fresh.
  • Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce for more or less tangy sweetness.

How to Serve

Serve BLT Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. It also works well as a standalone light meal. Garnish with extra bacon or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh lettuce before serving if the original greens have wilted.

Freezing

Not recommended due to the lettuce and dressing texture.

Reheating

Serve cold; do not reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or macaroni work well too.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use a light ranch dressing or Greek yogurt-based dressing and turkey bacon.

3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components separately and combine just before serving for best freshness.

4. Can I use fresh bacon instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, just cook it until crispy and drain before chopping.

5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

6. What can I substitute for barbecue sauce?

Try honey mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, cucumbers, corn, or avocado are great additions.

8. How long does the salad keep?

Up to 2 days refrigerated; lettuce may wilt if stored longer.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free ranch alternative or vinaigrette.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just adjust ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on a beloved classic that combines smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta in a creamy dressing. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a great addition to any meal or gathering. Whether served as a side or a light entrée, this salad is sure to satisfy cravings and delight taste buds with its perfect blend of textures and flavors.

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BLT Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A fresh and flavorful BLT-inspired pasta salad combining tender bow tie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon, all tossed in a creamy ranch and barbecue sauce dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish at any meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ cups uncooked bow tie pasta

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

  • 1 medium tomato, diced

  • 4 cooked bacon strips, chopped

  • ½ cup ranch dressing

  • 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  • Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

  • In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and chopped bacon.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and black pepper until smooth.

  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add chopped celery or cucumbers.

  • Substitute ranch dressing with your favorite creamy dressing if desired.

  • Can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

  • Add shredded cheddar cheese for a richer salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

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