Get ready for a flavor explosion with BLT Pasta Salad! Imagine the classic BLT sandwich mixed with creamy pasta goodness. It’s a taste sensation that’ll leave you craving more.
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Introducing the delightful BLT pasta salad, a culinary gem that effortlessly combines the classic flavors of a beloved BLT [bacon, lettuce, and tomato] sandwich with the comfort of pasta. This easy to make dish is a guaranteed hit, whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing something for a friendly gathering.
Crafted with mayo, rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, this BLT pasta salad recipe strikes the best balance between flavors and textures. Don’t forget the creamy and tangy dressing with ranch — it elevates every bite, adding a delightful twist to the traditional BLT combination.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love it! Not only that, but BLT pasta is so easy to make in large batches.
What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful masterpiece that’s not only satisfying but also versatile. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, the BLT macaroni salad is a sure winner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Mix the mayonnaise, buttermilk, green onions, ranch mix, parsley, and vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside the dressing for later.
STEP TWO: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions (about 9 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled. Transfer the pasta to a spacious bowl.
STEP THREE: In the same bowl, mix the rotini with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar, and red onion. Toss all the ingredients together.
STEP FOUR: Gently pour the prepared dressing over the BLT pasta. Toss again to make sure the dressing covers everything. Serve immediately or chill for later.
What to Serve With BLT Pasta
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- BBQ Hot Dogs
Variations for this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Add crisp cucumber slices for a cool crunch or creamy avocado slices for something rich and healthy..
- Use your favorite bacon, whether it’s thick-sliced, turkey bacon, or a meat-free alternative.
- Try adding croutons to this BLT macaroni salad for an extra crunch.
- If you’re looking for extra protein, add some grilled chicken or leftover turkey to the mix — the flavors all go together perfectly.
More Salad Recipes
- Simple Italian Pasta Salad With No Meat
- Barbecue Chicken Salad
- Quinoa Chickpea Salad
- Best Caprese Salad
- Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing
- Broccoli Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Watermelon Salad
How Do I Prevent My Lettuce from Wilting in the Salad?
To maintain the crisp and crunchy texture, it’s best to add the lettuce just before serving if you’re making it in advance.
A few hours in the refrigerator should be fine, but if you’re planning for leftovers, keep the lettuce in a separate container. Then, toss a handful in with each serving when it’s time to eat.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
You bet! In fact, most agree that it tastes even better after some time in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together.
Prepare the recipe as directed without the lettuce, and add an extra ½ cup of buttermilk to the dressing. The noodles will absorb the dressing the longer the dish sits, so this prevents your BLT pasta salad from becoming dry.
You can also simply make extra dressing overall, then stir in some extra just before serving. Keep everything in the refrigerator, then add the lettuce just befre serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover BLT Pasta?
To keep your leftovers tasting great, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for about 2-3 days.
Just before digging in again, give it a little mix to spread the flavors around and incorporate any liquid that settled at the bottom of the bowl.
Can I Replace the Mayo With Something Healthier?
Greek yogurt is a great, and slightly healthier alternative for mayo. Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can mimic the characteristics of mayo while also providing additional protein.
More Pasta Recipes To Try
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad with No Meat
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
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BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped crisp romaine lettuce
- ¾ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup chopped crisp bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
Instructions
For the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, green onions, ranch dressing mix, minced parsley, and white wine vinegar. Set aside until ready to use.
For the Pasta Salad
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions– about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until it is cool to the touch. Drain well and transfer the rotini to a large bowl.
- Add the romaine, tomatoes, bacon, cheddar, and red onion to the bowl with the rotini and toss to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until the dressing is evenly distributed. Enjoy.
- Make-ahead directions: If you plan to make the pasta salad ahead of time, add an additional ½ cup buttermilk to the dressing. The pasta will soak up the dressing as it sits. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
