This BLT Pasta Salad blends crisp romaine, smoky bacon, and sweet cherry tomatoes with a creamy, tangy dressing for a crowd-pleasing side or light main. It comes together fast, chills beautifully for picnics, and pairs well with simple sides—try a lighter option like four-ingredient pasta salad if you need more variety.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
- Classic BLT flavors in an easy, scoopable pasta salad.
- Ready in about 30 minutes for quick weeknight meals.
- Chills well, making it perfect for potlucks and meal prep.
- Kid-friendly and customizable to suit picky eaters.
- Delicious leftovers for lunches the next day.
Ingredients Needed
- Protein
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- Veggies
- 2 cups of chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sauce
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
Cook until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Add the cooled pasta first, then fold in crumbled bacon, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until smooth and tangy, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Toss gently so the lettuce and tomatoes stay crisp and the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chilling helps the flavors meld and keeps the salad refreshing.
Serving Suggestions BLT Pasta Salad
- Serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Top with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of chopped chives for presentation.
- Offer on a bed of extra romaine leaves for a composed platter.
- Pair it with a broccoli pasta salad for a veggie-forward spread.
- Bring to a picnic alongside crusty bread and iced tea.
Tips for Success BLT Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after chilling.
- Cool the pasta quickly under cold water to keep the salad crisp.
- Crisp the bacon well and drain on paper towels to prevent a greasy salad.
- Add lettuce just before serving if making more than a few hours ahead to keep it crisp.
- For a fresh twist, try the same dressing on a cucumber pasta salad to compare textures.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swap bacon for chopped smoked turkey or cooked pancetta.
- Make it spicy by stirring in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Go dairy-free by using a vegan mayo substitute.
- Add avocado or sliced radishes for extra freshness.
