BLT Pasta Salad: 1 Bowl, Pure Joy

Hey there! Clara here from 911Recipes. You know, there are some flavor combinations that just make you happy, right? For me, it s the classic BLT. The crisp bacon, the juicy tomatoes, the fresh lettuce it s pure simple goodness. But sometimes, you want that comfort without the sandwich fuss, especially when summer rolls around or you need something easy for a get-together.

That s where this BLT Pasta Salad comes in! I wanted to take all those flavors we love and turn them into something cool, creamy, and totally satisfying. Think of it as your favorite sandwich, deconstructed and tossed with tender pasta. It s become a go-to in our family, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple dinner on the porch.

Making delicious, easy meals is kind of my thing here at . I started this site because I know how busy life gets. But I also know how much joy a good meal can bring. This BLT Pasta Salad is exactly the kind of recipe I love sharing it s simple, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. It s the kind of dish that disappears fast, and everyone asks for the recipe.

It s truly a breeze to throw together. You cook some pasta, crisp up some bacon, chop a few things, and whisk up a simple dressing. That s it! It s proof that you don t need fancy techniques to make something truly memorable. I can t wait for you to try it!

Why You ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad isn t just another side dish. It s a crowd-pleaser that makes life easier and taste buds happy. Here s why I think you ll find yourself making it again and again:

• It s super simple to put together.
• You can serve it at almost any gathering.
• The flavors are familiar and comforting.
• It s a complete meal in itself sometimes!

Easy to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Seriously, this recipe is a snap. Most of the work is just cooking the pasta and bacon. After that, it s just chopping and mixing. No complicated steps or fancy gadgets needed. It s perfect for those days when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Picnic coming up? Potluck invite? Need a quick dinner on a hot night? This BLT Pasta Salad is your answer. It travels well, everyone loves it, and it feels special even though it s easy. It s my go-to for pretty much any casual get-together.

Delicious and Satisfying

You get that smoky, salty bacon goodness, the burst of fresh tomatoes, the crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing all mixed with tender pasta. It hits all the right notes savory, fresh, and comforting. It s hearty enough to be a meal, but light enough for a side.

Ingredients for Your Perfect BLT Pasta Salad

Ready to make this delightful BLT Pasta Salad? Here s what you ll need from the pantry and fridge. These are all pretty standard things, which is why I love this recipe so much!

• 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (like rotini or penne)
• 1 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled
• 2 cups of sweet cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 cup of crisp lettuce, chopped (iceberg or romaine works great)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment You ll Need

You won t need anything fancy for this BLT Pasta Salad! Just some basic kitchen items you likely already have. Here s what comes in handy:

• A large pot for cooking the pasta
• A colander to drain the pasta
• A large bowl for mixing everything
• A small bowl for whisking the dressing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or fork

How to Prepare Your BLT Pasta Salad

Making this BLT Pasta Salad is super straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. It s all about getting the components ready and then bringing them together for that perfect BLT flavor!

1. Cooking the Pasta

   First things first, get your pasta cooking. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it s just tender, what we call al dente. Don t overcook it! Once it s done, drain the pasta really well in a colander. This is important: rinse it with cold water right away. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly, which is key for a pasta salad. Let it drain completely while you get the other parts ready.

2. Combining the BLT Pasta Salad Components

   While the pasta is cooling, make sure your bacon is cooked and crumbled. I like mine nice and crispy for that good crunch in the salad. Chop your cherry tomatoes and lettuce too. Once the pasta is cool, put it in a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and chopped lettuce right into the bowl with the pasta. Everything should be ready to be tossed together.

3. Making the Creamy Dressing

   Now for the dressing! In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until it s smooth and creamy. The milk helps thin the mayo just enough to coat the pasta nicely, and the vinegar and sugar balance everything out. Taste it and see if you like the tang and sweetness. This is the magic that ties all the BLT flavors together in the salad.

4. Tossing and Chilling the BLT Pasta Salad

   Pour that lovely creamy dressing you just made over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta, bacon, tomato, and lettuce gets coated in the dressing. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial! It lets the flavors meld and makes the salad nice and cold, which is perfect for a . I usually give it a little stir before serving just to redistribute everything.

Tips for Making the Best BLT Pasta Salad

Want your BLT Pasta Salad to be absolutely perfect? Here are a few simple tips I ve picked up over the years that really make a difference. These little things can take your salad from good to amazing!

Choosing the Right Pasta for BLT Pasta Salad

The shape of your pasta matters in a salad! I like using shapes that have nooks and crannies to hold onto that creamy dressing and bits of bacon and tomato. Rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni are fantastic choices. They grab onto all the good stuff, making every bite flavorful. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti here; it just doesn t work as well.

Perfecting Your Bacon

Crispy bacon is non-negotiable for a great BLT Pasta Salad! Soggy bacon just won t do. Cook your bacon until it s nice and crisp, but not burnt. I often cook mine in the oven on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. It cooks evenly and makes cleanup easier. Let it cool on paper towels before crumbling it into the salad for maximum crispness.

Freshness Matters

Since the L and T in BLT stand for lettuce and tomato, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. Ripe cherry tomatoes will give you the best flavor burst. Use crisp lettuce that holds up reasonably well when chopped. Fresh ingredients really make this simple salad shine. It makes all the difference in how vibrant and delicious your BLT Pasta Salad tastes.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BLT Pasta Salad

Sometimes you might need to tweak a recipe based on what you have or what you like. That s totally fine! Here are some thoughts on the ingredients in this BLT Pasta Salad and how you can play around with them.

For the mayonnaise, I usually use regular full-fat mayo for the best creamy texture and flavor. If you want something lighter, you can use a reduced-fat version, but the dressing might be a little less rich. is another option for a tangier, protein-boosted dressing, but you might need to adjust the milk or vinegar to get the right consistency.

Any milk works in the dressing, from whole to skim. You could even use a non-dairy milk if needed. The red wine vinegar adds a nice tang that s classic with bacon and tomato, but apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar could work too. Just taste and adjust as you go!

If you don t have cherry tomatoes, chopped regular tomatoes are fine. Just make sure they aren t too watery. And while iceberg or romaine give that classic crunch, feel free to use other greens like spinach or even kale, though they will change the texture quite a bit.

BLT Pasta Salad Variations

One of the fun things about this BLT Pasta Salad is how easy it is to change up! The basic recipe is a fantastic starting point, but you can totally make it your own with a few additions. Here are some ideas I love:

• Add some finely chopped red onion for a little bite.
• Diced cucumber gives it extra freshness and crunch.
• Shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is delicious.
• A tablespoon of Dijon mustard in the dressing adds a nice tang.
• Try adding cooked chicken for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad is great on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes. It s perfect alongside grilled burgers or hot dogs at a barbecue. It s also lovely with simple grilled chicken or fish. Or, just serve it with some crusty bread for a light and easy meal.

Storing and Reheating BLT Pasta Salad

If you have any leftover BLT Pasta Salad, just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. This salad is best served cold, so no need to reheat it! Just give it a quick stir before serving if it s been sitting for a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions About BLT Pasta Salad

Got questions about whipping up this delightful BLT Pasta Salad? Here are some common ones people ask. I ve got answers to help you make yours perfect!

Can I Make BLT Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Making BLT Pasta Salad ahead is actually a great idea. It gives all those wonderful flavors time to blend together. The chilling time mentioned in the recipe is important for this. I find making it a few hours before serving is ideal. If you make it too far in advance, like a full day, the lettuce can sometimes get a little wilted. If you want to make it further ahead, you can mix everything except the lettuce and then add the lettuce right before serving.

What Kind of Lettuce is Best for BLT Pasta Salad?

For a classic BLT Pasta Salad, I really like using crisp lettuces like iceberg or romaine. They give you that satisfying crunch that s part of the BLT experience. Shredding or chopping it into smaller pieces works best so it mixes in evenly with the pasta and other ingredients. Avoid really delicate greens that might wilt too quickly in the dressing.

How Long Does BLT Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your BLT Pasta Salad should last for about 3 to 4 days. The lettuce might get a little softer over time, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just give it a good stir before you serve any leftovers.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while I m all about taste and comfort here at 911Recipes, I know some of you like to have an idea of the nutritional side of things. Please keep in mind that these numbers for this BLT Pasta Salad are just estimates. They can change a lot based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of pasta, the brand of bacon, or the mayonnaise.

A serving size is roughly about 1 cup of the salad. Based on the ingredients listed, you can expect a serving to contain:

• Calories: (Varies greatly based on ingredients)
• Fat: (Varies greatly based on ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: (Varies greatly based on ingredients)
• Protein: (Varies greatly based on ingredients)
• Sodium: (Can be high due to bacon, varies)

Again, this is just a rough guide. If you need precise nutritional information, I d recommend using an online nutrition calculator with the exact brands and amounts of ingredients you use.

Share Your BLT Pasta Salad Experience

I really hope you give this BLT Pasta Salad a try! When you do, please come back and tell me what you thought. Leave a comment below or give the recipe a star rating. I love hearing how it turns out for you! Snap a pic and share it on social media too!