Ah, summer gatherings! There’s just something magical about being outside, soaking up the sun, and enjoying good food with great friends. One dish that never fails to steal the show is my fresh and tasty BLT pasta salad. It’s like a classic BLT sandwich got a fun pasta twist, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! I remember the first time I made it for a picnic—everyone went back for seconds! The combination of crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing, is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it my go-to for any summer celebration. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!
Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad
To create this delightful BLT pasta salad, gather the following fresh and simple ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta – this fun shape holds the dressing beautifully!
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled – crispy and flavorful, it’s a must!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – sweet and juicy for that burst of flavor.
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped – adds a nice crunch and freshness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – the creamy base that brings everything together.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – a little tang to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for that extra kick of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season to your liking!
How to Prepare BLT Pasta Salad
Making this BLT pasta salad is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! First, let’s cook the pasta to get things rolling.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the 8 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This helps prevent it from getting mushy!
Mixing the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Make sure to toss gently so everything blends together nicely without squishing those lovely tomatoes!
Making the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy—this dressing is going to be the star of the show!
Final Assembly and Chilling
Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and toss everything together until it’s well-coated. Now, here’s the magic part: cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite just divine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This salad comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh flavors: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce is simply irresistible!
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding ingredients like avocado or different dressings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for sharing: It’s a fantastic dish to bring along to potlucks, picnics, or barbecues, and it always disappears fast!
- Easy to make ahead: You can prepare it in advance and chill it, allowing flavors to deepen and mingle.
Tips for Success
To make your BLT pasta salad absolutely perfect, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skimp on the bacon—crispy bacon really elevates the dish, so go for quality. If you want an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the dressing. For a creamy twist, consider mixing in some diced avocado just before serving; it adds a lush texture! And remember, chilling is key—let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, a couple of hours is even better for those flavors to really come alive! Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious BLT pasta salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat! If you find the pasta has absorbed some dressing after being in the fridge, don’t worry—just stir in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of apple cider vinegar to freshen it up before serving. This way, it’ll taste just as delightful as it did on day one!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this scrumptious BLT pasta salad:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this tasty dish while keeping your nutrition in check!
FAQ Section
Can I make this BLT pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to customize! Avocado, diced cucumbers, or even shredded cheese can add a delightful twist to your salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
While traditional BLT includes bacon, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon or swapping it for a plant-based alternative.
How long will leftovers last?
Your BLT pasta salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first day for optimal flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you love—penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would all work wonderfully!
For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes, check out this Healthline article. Additionally, you can learn about the nutritional value of bacon from NCBI.
Print
BLT Pasta Salad: 5 Steps to a Delicious Summer Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and tasty BLT pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: blt pasta salad
