BLT Pasta Salad: A Summertime Classic Reimagined

BLT sandwiches are a timeless favorite, and this BLT pasta salad takes all the best parts of that iconic sandwich – crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise – and transforms them into a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal, this BLT pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and bursting with flavor. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to help you create the perfect BLT pasta salad every time.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

* **Familiar Flavors, New Format:** Enjoy the classic BLT taste in a cool and refreshing pasta salad form.
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences with different types of pasta, lettuce, and dressings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (rotini, penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni work well).
* **Bacon:** 1 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
* **Tomatoes:** 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, or 2 large tomatoes, diced.
* **Lettuce:** 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or mixed greens.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup of mayonnaise.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (optional):** 1/2 cup (for extra tang and creaminess).
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons (adds a bright acidity to the dressing).
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (balances the acidity).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan), avocado, red onion, green onion, fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or chives).

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot
* Colander
* Large bowl
* Small bowl (for the dressing)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife
* Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
* Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Let the pasta cool completely.

2. Cook the Bacon

* Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
* Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
* Crumble the bacon into small pieces.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

* Wash and dry the tomatoes and lettuce.
* Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes (or dice the large tomatoes). The size depends on your preference. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the salad.
* Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the lettuce is dry to prevent a soggy salad.

4. Make the Dressing

* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt, if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
* If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar.

5. Assemble the Salad

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
* Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt.
* If adding any optional ingredients, such as shredded cheese, avocado, red onion, green onion, or fresh herbs, gently fold them into the salad.

6. Chill and Serve

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also allows the salad to cool completely, making it more refreshing.
* Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and check the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Pasta Choice:** Experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite. Rotini, penne, farfalle, and elbow macaroni are all excellent choices. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.
* **Bacon Perfection:** For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven. This also helps to prevent splattering and ensures even cooking.
* **Lettuce Variety:** Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and mixed greens all work well in this salad. Choose the one you prefer or use a combination.
* **Creamy or Tangy:** Adjust the amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt to achieve your desired level of creaminess and tanginess. You can also use all mayonnaise for a simpler dressing.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Add Protein:** Grilled chicken, shredded turkey, or diced ham can be added to the salad for extra protein and flavor.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add smoked paprika to the dressing to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
* **Cheese Please:** Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese can be added to the salad for extra flavor and richness.
* **Herb Power:** Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives add a bright and fresh flavor to the salad. Chop them finely and add them just before serving.
* **Make it Ahead:** This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the lettuce just before serving to prevent it from wilting.
* **Avocado Addition:** Diced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the salad. Add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
* **Vinegar Variations:** While the recipe calls for apple cider vinegar, other vinegar such as white wine vinegar and red wine vinegar can be added.
* **Sweetness:** Depending on the type of tomatoes and vinegar added in the dressing, the sweetness can be altered accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

* **Potlucks and Barbecues:** This BLT pasta salad is a perfect dish to bring to potlucks and barbecues. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Picnics:** Pack it in a cooler for a refreshing and satisfying picnic lunch.
* **Weeknight Meal:** Serve it as a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side of grilled chicken or fish.
* **Lunchbox Favorite:** Pack it in a lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying lunch.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats.

Storage Instructions

* Store leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce may wilt slightly over time, but the salad will still be delicious.
* It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise and lettuce will not hold up well.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 10-15g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni)
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* Optional add-ins: Shredded cheese, avocado, red onion, green onion, fresh herbs

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water; let cool.
2. Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
3. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
6. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat.
7. Add optional ingredients (cheese, avocado, etc.) and gently fold in.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing BLT pasta salad! This recipe is a sure winner at any gathering and is easily customizable to your liking.