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BLT Pasta Salad

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BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and flavor-packed side dish that combines everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich into one irresistible pasta salad. Tender pasta is tossed with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and a rich, creamy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Every bite is loaded with smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and perfectly coated pasta, creating the ultimate balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. This easy pasta salad is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, meal prep, or family dinners. It comes together in under 30 minutes and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, or sandwiches, or enjoy it as a satisfying lunch on its own.

Ingredients For the Salad

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 10 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add the Lettuce

Fold the chopped romaine lettuce into the salad just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

Step 7: Chill

Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 8: Serve

Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra bacon, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips & Notes

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
  • Add the lettuce immediately before serving to keep it crunchy.
  • Thick-cut bacon provides the best smoky flavor.
  • For extra freshness, add diced avocado just before serving.
  • If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For meal prep, keep the lettuce separate until ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the pasta, bacon, vegetables, and dressing ahead of time, then mix in the lettuce just before serving.

Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative that still adds plenty of smoky flavor.

What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, rotini, bow ties, and shells all work well because they hold the creamy dressing beautifully.

Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, diced turkey, or hard-boiled eggs make this salad even more filling.

What should I serve with BLT Pasta Salad?
It’s delicious with grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, steaks, sandwiches, ribs, or as part of a picnic spread.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Calcium: 12% DV
  • Iron: 8% DV

BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy dressing, crispy bacon, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. It’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavor, and ideal for everything from backyard cookouts to weekday lunches. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a complete meal, this refreshing pasta salad is guaranteed to become a favorite at every gathering.

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