Description
BLT Pasta Salad combines the iconic flavors of the classic sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight meals, ready in under 30 minutes. Cool, crunchy, and comforting, this salad brings flavor and fun to every bowl.
Ingredients
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8 oz (225g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
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6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
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1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
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¼ cup diced red onion
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 diced avocado
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2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
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Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside. -
Cook Bacon:
Fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. -
Make Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream or yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. -
Prep Vegetables:
Halve tomatoes and chop lettuce. Dice any add-ins if using. -
Combine Salad:
In a large bowl, mix pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and dressing. Fold in lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. -
Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with cheese, herbs, or extra bacon if desired.
Notes
Add lettuce just before serving to keep it from wilting.
Use full-fat or low-fat mayo/yogurt depending on your preference.
For meal prep, store bacon and lettuce separately and mix in before serving.
Substitute turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter/vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-cook (after pasta & bacon)
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon lettuce tomato salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck side dish