Easy BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect side for summer months, BBQs, and family gatherings! It takes everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich and turns it into a creamy pasta salad with the best flavors of a warm-weather meal!

Tossed in a homemade dressing, this easy recipe is always a huge hit. Serve it as a main dish or a side dish, either way it disappears fast!

Need more potluck meal ideas? Try our popular Baked Beans with Ground Beef, Southern Potato Salad Recipe, or Jalapeno Cornbread.

If you’re looking for a cold pasta salad that’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite, this is it! Light, refreshing, and easy to throw together, it’s a great option for summer potlucks or busy weeknights.

Whether served on its own or alongside grilled favorites, it’s one of the best pasta salad recipes that the whole family will love! This Sub Salad makes the perfect picnic dish!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing BLT Salad Recipe:

• Rotini pasta
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh lettuce, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red onion, finely diced
• Additional fresh lettuce and cherry tomatoes for garnish

INGREDIENT NOTES:

• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini or bowtie pasta hold the dressing best.
• Bacon: Classic bacon gives the best flavor, I prefer thick-cut bacon,  but store-bought bacon bits work in a pinch.
• Dressing: This recipe uses a creamy homemade dressing, but you can swap it with creamy ranch dressing or homemade ranch dressing for a ranch-style twist.

HOW TO MAKE BLT PASTA SALAD STEP-BY-STEP:

You’ll need the following ingredients to make the best Pasta Salad:

• Rotini pasta
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Grape tomatoes, halved
• Romaine lettuce, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Additional chopped lettuce and halved grape tomatoes for garnish

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions until tender pasta but still firm (al dente). Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and red onion.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make the pasta salad dressing.

Step 5: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 7: Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with additional fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, if desired.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

To Serve: Enjoy cold. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.

To Freeze: Not recommended, as the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing won’t hold up well.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

• Shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
• Chopped avocado for a creamy, fresh twist.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Lettuce: Swap fresh lettuce for iceberg or spinach for a different texture.
• Dressing: Use creamy ranch dressing or homemade ranch dressing instead of the original recipe.

What Can I Serve with this BLT Salad?

This easy pasta salad makes a hearty meal on it’s own, but you can serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ ribs. It’s also great with a side of garlic bread, or fresh fruit salad for a complete summer meal.

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