If you’re craving a fresh twist on two all-time favorites, you’ve got to try this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It brilliantly combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the comforting bite of bow tie pasta, bringing crisp romaine, juicy tomato, smoky bacon, and a tangy dressing into one colorful, crowd-pleasing bowl. It’s a perfect dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to whip up, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any day you want something tasty and hassle-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, texture, and freshness. From the crisp lettuce to the creamy dressing, every component works harmoniously to make each bite a delight.
- 2 ½ cups uncooked bow tie pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto dressing and adding a fun, chewy texture.
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch that balances out the richness of the bacon and dressing.
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Brings vibrant color and juicy sweetness to the salad.
- 4 cooked bacon strips, chopped: Infuses a smoky, salty punch that’s quintessentially BLT.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect binder that melds all the flavors together.
- 1 Tablespoon barbecue sauce: Adds a subtle smoky-sweet twist that makes this pasta salad extra special.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little spice to round out the flavor and brighten everything up.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This cooling step prevents the pasta from sticking together and makes the salad refreshing rather than warm.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the crisp chopped romaine lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, smoky chopped bacon, and the cooled pasta. This combo is the foundation, delivering loads of texture and authentic BLT flavor in every forkful.
Step 3: Dress and Season
Drizzle ranch dressing and barbecue sauce over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything to ensure every ingredient gets coated in that creamy, smoky goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for just the right kick, then serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste.
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe by adding a few crispy bacon bits on top or a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onion. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add wonderful flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This salad stands beautifully alongside grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or a platter of fresh fruit. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture complement simple protein dishes and bring balance to any summer feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or stacked lettuce cups. You could even portion it into individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnic treats. These ideas bring charm and convenience to your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, keep the dressing separate until just before serving if you plan to store it for more than a few hours.
Freezing
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the lettuce and dressing can become watery and lose their texture after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it warm, you can enjoy the cooked pasta portion alone, but once combined with the lettuce and dressing, it’s best served chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is traditional here for its texture and shape, you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or even small shells to hold the dressing well.
Is there a way to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to the dressing to keep that smoky flavor alive.
How long does the BLT Pasta Salad stay fresh?
It stays fresh for about 2 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container, but it’s definitely tastiest the day it’s made.
Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?
You can switch it up with a creamy Caesar or even a light vinaigrette for a different flavor profile, but ranch pairs perfectly with these ingredients.
Is it better to add the dressing right away or wait until serving?
For the freshest texture, toss the salad with dressing right before serving to avoid soggy lettuce and pasta.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone looking to jazz up their salad routine with a comforting yet fresh meal. It’s straightforward with pantry-friendly ingredients and totally satisfying. Next time you want a dish that’s easy, tasty, and loved by everyone, this salad is your go-to. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad combining tender bow tie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon, all tossed in a tangy ranch and barbecue sauce dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 ½ cups uncooked bow tie pasta
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
Meat
- 4 cooked bacon strips, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and chopped cooked bacon strips.
- Toss with dressing and season: Drizzle ranch dressing and barbecue sauce over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle with black pepper for seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a different twist.
- For extra flavor, chill the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity according to your preferred level of smokiness and sweetness.
- This salad is best served fresh as lettuce can wilt if left mixed for too long.
- Adding some shredded cheddar cheese can enhance the richness if desired.
