BLT Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Picnics and Weeknight Dinners

If you love the classic BLT sandwich, you’ll enjoy BLT pasta salad as a tasty twist. BLT pasta salad combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and pasta for a simple, flavorful dish you can make anytime. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side at your next cookout.

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This salad is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and makes a great way to use up leftovers. You get all the familiar flavors you love in a cool and creamy pasta salad that’s ready in minutes.

Related Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad Easy Recipe for Weeknights

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

You will need a few simple ingredients and some basic steps to make BLT pasta salad. After gathering everything, you’ll cook the pasta, prepare the bacon and veggies, then mix them all with a dressing. Finally, there are easy ways to serve it that bring out the best flavors.

Essential Ingredients

You need these main ingredients to make BLT pasta salad:

Ingredient	Amount
Pasta (like rotini or penne)	8 ounces
Bacon	6-8 strips
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup, halved
Romaine lettuce	2 cups, chopped
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Sour cream	1/4 cup
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper	To taste

Make sure you have fresh tomatoes and crispy bacon, as they add great flavor and texture. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to make the salad creamier or lighter.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Dry the pasta well before mixing.

Next, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it drain on paper towels, then chop it into small pieces.

Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing. Mix well until smooth.

In a large bowl, add the pasta, bacon, chopped lettuce, and halved tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors come together.

Serving Suggestions

BLT pasta salad is great on its own as a lunch or side dish. Try serving it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal.

You can also add avocado or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor. If you want it lighter, serve smaller portions with fresh fruit or veggie sticks.

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to two days to enjoy later.

Customizing Your BLT Pasta Salad

You can change the ingredients to match your taste or what you have on hand. How you store and prepare the salad ahead also matters for the best flavor and texture.

Creative Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a twist on the classic BLT pasta salad, try different proteins like grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or even a plant-based bacon. For added crunch, swap regular bacon for crispy pancetta or smoked sausage.

You can also switch up the pasta. Use whole wheat, rotini, or bowties instead of plain elbows. Add veggies like avocado, corn, or bell peppers for more color and flavor.

For dressing, use ranch, Caesar, or a simple vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like basil or chives brighten the taste too.

Storing and Making Ahead

Make your BLT pasta salad a few hours before serving. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to let flavors blend well.

Store the salad without dressing if you want to keep it fresh longer. Add the dressing right before eating to avoid soggy pasta and lettuce.

Bring a little extra bacon or tomato on the side. This way, you can add fresh ingredients when serving, keeping the salad crisp and tasty.

Follow my summer salads recipe board on Pinterest.