BLT Pasta Salad

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A bowl of fresh BLT Pasta Salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
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Are you looking for a fresh and delightful dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with pasta? Look no further! The BLT Pasta Salad is a fun twist that everyone will love. It brings together crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy cheddar cheese, and plenty of greens. This colorful salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer get-together.

Why Make This Recipe

This BLT Pasta Salad is not just tasty; it’s also quick and easy to make. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of fresh ingredients and creamy dressing creates a delicious meal or side dish. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of a classic BLT in a new format!

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Making BLT Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps to whip up a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red & yellow mix)
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped romaine or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch or creamy dressing
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil rotini according to package instructions. Drain and cool completely.
  2. Prep Ingredients: While pasta cools, cook bacon and chop all veggies.
  3. Mix It All: In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, greens, onion, and cucumber.
  4. Dress & Toss: Add dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
  5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad

You can serve BLT Pasta Salad as a main dish or a side. It’s a great option for lunch, dinner, or a party dish. Serve it in a large bowl for family-style sharing, or portion it out for individual servings. This salad can be enjoyed either cold or at room temperature, making it a flexible choice for any occasion.

How to Store BLT Pasta Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the salad within 2-3 days for the freshest taste. If you anticipate leftovers, you may want to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This helps maintain the texture of the ingredients.

Tips to Make BLT Pasta Salad

  • Cook the Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, bake it in the oven instead of frying it on the stove.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Make It Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste. Try using different pasta shapes, like penne or bowties, for a fun twist. For a healthier option, substitute the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette or a lighter yogurt-based dressing.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Feta or mozzarella would also work well in this salad.

  2. Is this salad gluten-free?
    To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of rotini pasta.

  3. Can I add protein to this salad?
    Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

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BLT Pasta Salad

  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore
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Description

A fresh twist on a classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy cheddar, and greens for a delightful dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red & yellow mix)
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped romaine or mixed greens
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch or creamy dressing
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil rotini according to package instructions. Drain and cool completely.
  2. While pasta cools, cook bacon and chop all veggies.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, greens, onion, and cucumber.
  4. Add dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For the crispiest bacon, bake it in the oven instead of frying. You can use any cheese you like, such as feta or mozzarella. Feel free to include other vegetables for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pasta salad, BLT salad, summer salad, picnic food, quick recipes

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