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Creamy Crunchy BLT Pasta Salad

BLT pasta salad recipe - featured image
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A quick and easy summer side dish combining the classic BLT flavors with pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or corkscrew pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped Romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream
  • Optional: vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bake bacon at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Chop 2 cups Romaine or iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and thinly slice 3 green onions. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
  5. Gently fold the cooled pasta, bacon pieces, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions into the dressing until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep lettuce crisp.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and chill the salad.
  7. Optional: Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad cool. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt for best flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid soggy lettuce. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Add lettuce last minute for extra crispness if making ahead. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, dairy-free, and spicy versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-crunchy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-best-summer-side-dish/