If you’re craving a delightful and flavorful twist on classic comfort foods, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the crispy, smoky goodness of bacon with the fresh brightness of Romaine lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked fusilli pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish brings the best of a BLT sandwich into a refreshing, hearty salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, pleasing to the eye, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your dinner table or next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to provide balance, texture, and vibrant color. From the perfectly cooked pasta to crisp bacon and fresh veggies, every element plays a vital role in creating this satisfying dish.
- 12 oz. fusilli pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- 10 oz. bacon: Adds smoky crunch and savory depth that’s essential to the BLT experience.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Brings juicy sweetness and a pop of bright red color to the salad.
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce: Offers crisp freshness and a subtle bitterness to balance the richness.
- ½ red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp bite that complements the creamy dressing.
- ¾ cup Ranch dressing: Creamy base that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the dressing.
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle tang and a little complexity to the dressing.
- 1 tsp. salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ½ tsp. pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and mild spice to balance the salad.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your fusilli pasta according to the package directions. It’s important to cook it just right — tender but still with a slight bite to hold up against the dressing and crunchy ingredients. Once cooked, drain and set it aside to cool to room temperature. Patience here ensures the salad won’t get soggy later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta cooks, chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, baking the bacon in the oven can give you even crispier results with less mess. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess fat, then set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Mix together Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, combining classic flavors with a smooth texture that brings all the salad components together.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the cooled pasta in a large bowl, tossing gently to coat every spiral. Reserving the remaining dressing means you can add fresh creaminess just before serving to keep the salad crisp and bright.
Step 5: Add Bacon and Veggies
Next, toss in the crispy bacon pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. These ingredients add that essential crunch, juicy freshness, and a subtle bite, creating a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Chill and Finish Salad
Cover your pasta salad and refrigerate for at least one to two hours, or even overnight if you like. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Right before serving, add the remaining dressing and gently fold in the coarsely chopped Romaine lettuce, which keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, consider sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley on top. A few extra crispy bacon bits dashed over the salad add a lovely visual and flavor pop. You can also drizzle a little extra Ranch dressing or a splash of lemon juice for brightness if desired.
Side Dishes
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a showstopper on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It’s a fantastic companion to summer barbecues, picnic spreads, or alongside classic sandwiches, providing a fresh, hearty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a charming picnic presentation or in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the bacon, tomatoes, and greens. Another fun idea is layering the ingredients like a parfait for visual appeal, then tossing just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, add the lettuce and remaining dressing just before serving fresh the next day. This keeps the salad from becoming soggy and maintains that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
Because of the lettuce and creamy dressing, freezing BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is not recommended. The texture of the fresh ingredients will suffer upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to two days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t needed or recommended. Instead, give it a gentle stir, add the reserved dressing and Romaine lettuce, and serve chilled for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli is perfect for holding onto the dressing, penne, rotini, or farfalle will work nicely as well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the bacon for smoky tempeh, crispy chickpeas, or plant-based bacon alternatives to keep the flavor and crunch without meat.
How long can I keep this salad in the fridge?
The salad stays fresh and tasty for about 1 to 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Add the lettuce and dressing fresh right before serving to maintain the best texture.
Can I make the dressing from scratch?
Definitely! If you want an extra-special touch, you can whip up your own Ranch dressing and mayonnaise blend with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a great way to customize the flavors to your liking.
What’s the best time to serve this pasta salad?
This dish shines as a light lunch, picnic staple, or side for dinner parties and potlucks. Its refreshing qualities make it especially perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Its blend of hearty pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing brings together all the best parts of a BLT in an unexpected and delicious way. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your home—happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining crispy bacon, fresh Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and fusilli pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy Ranch dressing blend. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light main course, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. fusilli pasta (gluten-free, cooked according to package)
Bacon
- 10 oz. bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Vegetables
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce (coarsely chopped)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing
- ¾ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Cook Bacon: Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 7-8 minutes or until fully cooked and crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Alternatively, bacon can be cooked in the oven and crumbled afterwards.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy dressing blend.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Pour three-quarters of the dressing over the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta. Reserve the remaining quarter of the dressing for later use.
- Add Bacon and Vegetables: Add the cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to the pasta. Toss all ingredients together to combine well.
- Chill Pasta Salad: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or for best results, up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Add Lettuce and Final Dressing: Just before serving, add the coarsely chopped Romaine lettuce and the reserved dressing to the chilled pasta salad. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve the BLT pasta salad cold and enjoy this flavorful, refreshing dish.
Notes
- Cooking bacon in the oven is a less hands-on method and can help achieve evenly crispy bacon; cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Make sure pasta is completely cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent wilting the lettuce later.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days; add lettuce fresh before serving to maintain crunchiness.
- You can substitute Romaine lettuce with other crisp greens like iceberg or butter lettuce for a different texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe gluten-free as specified.
