Creamy BLT Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish & Meal
As soon as the first hint of warmth graces the air, my culinary thoughts turn almost immediately to the delightful world of pasta salads. They are the quintessential solution for easy lunches, perfect potluck contributions, and an indispensable companion to any backyard barbecue or grilling session. The beauty of pasta salad lies not just in its refreshing taste but also in its incredible versatility. You can endlessly experiment with flavors and ingredients, from a zesty Taco Pasta Salad that brings a fiesta to your plate, to the vibrant dish we’re about to explore: the Classic BLT Pasta Salad.
This recipe takes everything you adore about a traditional BLT sandwich – the crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes – and transforms it into a creamy, satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that embodies comfort, freshness, and pure deliciousness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Inspiration: A Beloved Classic Reimagined
The BLT sandwich holds a special place in many hearts, especially during the summer months when ripe, flavorful tomatoes are abundant. There’s something undeniably magical about the simple yet perfect combination of crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and sweet, juicy tomatoes, all nestled between slices of toasted bread. It’s a culinary masterpiece in its own right, and variations like the Garlic Bread BLT are proof of its enduring appeal.
So, why not take these beloved flavors and weave them into an equally irresistible pasta salad? That’s precisely the idea behind this BLT Pasta Salad. By deconstructing the sandwich and integrating its core elements into a chilled pasta dish, we create something familiar yet excitingly new. It’s the ultimate summer comfort food, offering a refreshing twist on a timeless favorite.
The Stars of the Show: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato
Perfectly Crispy Bacon
Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better, and this pasta salad is no exception. The smoky, salty crunch of perfectly cooked bacon is fundamental to the BLT experience. For this salad, we want bacon that’s rendered crisp but not burnt, providing that essential textural contrast against the tender pasta and fresh vegetables. Whether you cook it in a skillet, bake it in the oven, or even use your air fryer, achieving that ideal crispiness is key to elevating the entire dish. The rich, savory notes of bacon are what truly anchor the “B” in our BLT pasta salad.
Fresh, Juicy Tomatoes
Summer is truly the season for fresh produce, and nothing says summer quite like a perfectly ripe tomato. When farmer’s markets are bursting with vibrant reds and yellows, or your garden yields a bountiful harvest, these tomatoes are a must-have for any BLT creation. In our pasta salad, chopped grape tomatoes burst with sweet, tangy juices, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the savory bacon and creamy dressing. They add a pop of color and an essential summery flavor that can’t be replicated with out-of-season varieties.
Crisp, Refreshing Lettuce
The “L” in BLT might seem a little unconventional for a pasta salad, but trust me, it works wonders! Crisp romaine lettuce adds a delightful freshness and crunch that lightens the dish and brings it closer to its sandwich inspiration. While romaine is my top choice for its texture and mild flavor, you can certainly experiment with other leafy greens. The coolness of the lettuce, combined with the other ingredients, makes this salad incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Crafting the Creamy Dressing
The dressing is the binding agent that brings all these wonderful BLT components together into a cohesive and incredibly flavorful pasta salad. Instead of a heavy, overly rich sauce, we opt for a creamy, tangy dressing that complements rather than overpowers the fresh ingredients. My preferred dressing for this BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh chives, and aromatic garlic powder. This combination offers a perfect balance of creaminess from the mayo, a subtle tang from the yogurt, and a fresh herbaceous kick from the chives and garlic.
The Greek yogurt is a fantastic addition, lending a lighter texture and a slightly healthier profile than an all-mayo dressing, while still maintaining that desirable creaminess. If Greek yogurt isn’t on hand, sour cream can be a suitable substitute, offering a similar tang. For those who prefer a more traditional route or a stronger flavor, substituting some or all of the yogurt with ranch dressing is also an option, though I find the homemade mayo-yogurt-chive mixture offers a fresher, more balanced taste that truly lets the BLT flavors shine.
How to Make This Irresistible BLT Pasta Salad
Making this creamy BLT pasta salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick meal prep or a last-minute gathering. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps to get this delicious dish on your table:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your favorite short-cut pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water. This step is crucial for stopping the cooking process and ensuring your pasta is perfectly chilled for the salad. Continue rinsing until the pasta is completely cool to the touch.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), finely chopped fresh chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, the crispy crumbled bacon, the roughly chopped romaine lettuce, and the chopped grape tomatoes.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the delicious dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, especially with the lettuce, to keep it crisp.
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor and texture, serve the BLT pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for a short period to allow the flavors to meld. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, if you need to make it a bit ahead, see our tips below!
Storage Tips: Keeping Your BLT Pasta Salad Fresh
Most pasta salads typically hold up well in the fridge for a few days, making them excellent for meal prepping. However, this BLT Pasta Salad, with its inclusion of fresh romaine lettuce, is a bit unique. For optimal crispness and flavor, it is genuinely best served on the day it is made. The lettuce can tend to wilt and lose its crunch if left dressed for too long. If you anticipate having leftovers or wish to prepare it in advance, here’s a helpful tip:
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the pasta, cook the bacon, chop the tomatoes, and make the dressing separately. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply chop the lettuce, combine all the elements in a large bowl, toss with the dressing, and serve immediately. This method ensures that your salad remains as fresh and vibrant as possible!
Expert Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad
- Pasta Choice: Don’t feel limited to one type of pasta! Any short-cut pasta works wonderfully in this salad. Bowtie (farfalle), penne, rotini, or even ditalini are excellent choices, as they hold the creamy dressing well and provide a good texture.
- Lettuce Alternatives: While romaine is ideal for its crunch, if you don’t have it on hand, iceberg lettuce can offer a similar crispness. For a slightly different flavor and added nutrition, baby spinach or even mixed greens can be used, though they will have a softer texture.
- Bacon Preparation: Starting with raw bacon and cooking it until perfectly crisp is always recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, for convenience, you can absolutely use pre-cooked bacon. If you’re really in a pinch, look for real bacon pieces (not the artificial bacon bits) in the salad aisle – often found in a jar – for a quick shortcut.
- Dressing Customization: The suggested dressing of mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic, and chives provides a fresh and balanced flavor. If you’re a fan of ranch, you can easily substitute ranch dressing for the Greek yogurt for a different, zippier profile. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and chives to your personal taste.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t forget to season your pasta water generously with salt. This infuses flavor into the pasta itself, making a big difference in the final taste of your salad. Also, taste the dressing and the finished salad, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Delicious BLT Pasta Salad Variations to Try
One of the best things about pasta salads is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste or what you have available. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your BLT Pasta Salad:
- Add Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a natural pairing for BLT flavors. Add shredded cheddar or small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese for extra tang and creaminess. A sprinkle of Parmesan can also be lovely.
- Creamy Avocado: Freshly diced avocado adds a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the other ingredients beautifully. Add it just before serving to prevent browning.
- Onion Kick: For a subtle sharpness and added crunch, finely diced red onions or thinly sliced green onions (scallions) can be a wonderful addition.
- Protein Boost: To transform this side dish into a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Herbal Freshness: Beyond chives, consider fresh dill, parsley, or a touch of basil for an aromatic twist.
- A Hint of Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a little spice.
- Pickled Goodness: Diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice in the dressing can introduce a surprising burst of briny flavor that works incredibly well.
Serving Suggestions for Your BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. It’s hearty enough to be a light lunch on its own, but also shines as a vibrant side dish. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or burgers at your next BBQ, as part of a picnic spread, or as a refreshing contribution to a potluck. Its creamy texture and balanced flavors make it a hit with both adults and children, proving that classic comfort food can indeed be a refreshing summer delight.
Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you’re a fan of flavorful salads like this BLT Pasta Salad, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our collection. They’re perfect for any meal or gathering!
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Southwestern Cobb Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Southwestern Corn Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
15 minutes
6
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Ingredients
-
1
pound
short cut pasta, cooked according to the package directions and cooled -
1
16 oz package bacon cooked and crumbled -
2
cup
romaine lettuce
, roughly chopped -
10
ounces
grape tomatoes
, chopped
Dressing
-
3/4
cup
mayo
-
1/2
cup
Greek yogurt
, or sour cream -
1
teaspoon
garlic powder
-
1
Tablespoon
fresh chives, finely chopped -
1
teaspoon
black pepper
-
1/2
teaspoon
salt
Instructions
-
In small bowl combine mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, chives, salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
-
In large bowl mix together cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, romaine lettuce and tomatoes.
-
Pour mayo mixture over top; mix until creamy and well combined.
-
Best served cold. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
g
|
Calories:
271
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
10
g
|
Protein:
6
g
|
Fat:
23
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
18
g
|
Cholesterol:
18
mg
|
Sodium:
459
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
15 minutes
Side Dish Recipes
American
6
271
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