Savor the flavors of summer with a refreshing BLT Pasta Salad that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or everyday meals. This creamy, crunchy masterpiece combines juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese with cooked pasta and a tangy homemade dressing. The result is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, minus the bread. The velvety smoothness of the dressing will have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Enjoy this satisfying recipe for dinner and save any leftovers for a quick lunch or snack. And if you’re looking to mix things up, I also recommend trying my Tex-Mex Pasta Salad, Smoked Italian Pasta Salad, Chicken Blue Cheese Salad, or Butter Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini – all of which offer unique flavor profiles that are sure to please.
Why You’ll Love It
In no time at all, you can whip up this delightful salad. In fact, it’s ready in under 20 minutes – talk about convenience! But what really sets it apart is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick and easy side dish for your next gathering, this salad is sure to please. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing? It’s a match made in heaven! The best part? Each component plays perfectly off the others, creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile that will leave your guests wanting more.
How To Make BLT Pasta Salad
To create the dressing, gather the required ingredients and whisk them together in a bowl. Store it in the refrigerator for later use. For the bacon, cook it in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from heat and let cool before cutting into small pieces. Next, prepare the pasta by cooking it with salt according to package directions, typically between 8 to 13 minutes. Drain and set aside. To complete the preparation, wash and chop your chosen vegetables. Finally, combine all ingredients in a large bowl, topping with the prepared dressing and gently tossing until fully incorporated. Serve immediately or within two hours for optimal freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
You can further customize this pasta salad by incorporating other nutritious ingredients like green onions, black beans, corn kernels, diced red onions, or avocado slices. For a meaty twist, swap traditional pork bacon with turkey bacon, vegan bacon alternatives, or smoked chicken. To lighten up the dressing, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. If you’re seeking an even lighter option, consider replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream in your dressing recipe. Additionally, this pasta salad can be easily adapted to a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Simply cook the pasta according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe as written. Alternatively, you can also use creamy ranch dressing for an easy and flavorful twist.
How to Store Pasta Salad
When storing your BLT pasta salad, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container with the dressing included. This will allow you to enjoy it fresh for up to 2 days. For maximum freshness, dress the salad just before serving. Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for freezing.
Top Tips
This salad is incredibly versatile – not only can it be doubled to cater to a larger crowd or serve as meal prep for the week, but it also offers various ways to streamline the preparation process. One such timesaving technique is to utilize pre-cooked bacon, which can be quickly crisped up in an air fryer to add that satisfying smoky flavor. Furthermore, mixing the salad is a breeze, whether you choose to use tongs or two wooden spoons. If you’re a self-proclaimed bacon aficionado, consider doubling down on the crispy goodness and taking it to the next level by adding grilled chicken for a filling entree option.
BLT Pasta Salad FAQ
While traditional pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini are suitable for this recipe, feel free to use any type of pasta that suits your taste or is readily available. Just be aware that different pasta types may require distinct cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian alternative such as smoked tofu or plant-based bacon. This will effectively eliminate animal products from the dish, allowing you to enjoy it without compromising your dietary preferences.
If you’re concerned about the pasta sticking together, there’s an easy solution. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch. Then, toss it with a small amount of olive oil to coat the pasta and prevent clumping.
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
BLT Pasta Salad
Indulge in the rich flavors of this BLT pasta salad recipe, where crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and juicy tomatoes mingle with tender pasta and a velvety dressing. This quick-fix recipe requires mere 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 10 minutes of cooking, for a total preparation and cooking time of just 20 minutes. Perfect for a crowd, this dish serves six individuals, making it an ideal addition to any gathering.
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients using a fork or whisk until well mixed. Refrigerate it for later use. Next, cook the bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool before breaking it down into small pieces. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically taking around 8-13 minutes with salt added. As the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables by chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is cooked, drain excess water and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and remaining salad ingredients. You can refrigerate the salad and dressing separately for a couple of hours before serving. When you’re ready, top the salad with the prepared dressing and toss until everything is fully incorporated.
Notes
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be easily scaled up to cater to a larger group or prepared in advance for meal prep. One time-saving hack is to utilize pre-cooked bacon, which can be quickly crisped up in the air fryer for added texture. The salad itself is effortless to mix, requiring only a few quick tosses with tongs or wooden spoons. For those who are particularly fond of bacon, it’s simple to double down on the quantity and even add grilled chicken to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course.
