BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, combining crispy bacon, fresh romaine, and juicy grape tomatoes with tender pasta. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing picnic dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces bacon
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet with edges. Put the baking sheet in a cold oven, then turn the oven to 400˚F. Bake the bacon for 18–25 minutes until crispy, adjusting time based on thickness. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble it.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it and drain well.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 4: Combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl. Toss everything with the dressing until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or toasted pine nuts.
- Swap out romaine for baby spinach or arugula for a different leafy green.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
Storage
Store the BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if making ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is served cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne works well. Choose shapes that hold dressing and mix-ins effectively.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to cool it quickly and drain well. Toss the salad just before serving, or keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
PrintBLT Pasta Salad Recipe
This BLT Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with a satisfying pasta salad twist. Featuring crispy baked bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch. The creamy dressing made from olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and aromatic herbs brings all the ingredients together for a refreshing, flavorful salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces bacon
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Bake the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet with edges. Put the baking sheet in a cold oven, then turn the oven on to 400˚F (200˚C). Bake the bacon for 18–25 minutes until it is crispy, depending on thickness. Remove the bacon from the oven, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the dried pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and then drain well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and creamy.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve the pasta salad immediately for the best freshness and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely to avoid wilting the lettuce when tossed.
- You can prepare the bacon and dressing ahead of time to save prep time when assembling the salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but may lose some crispness in the bacon and lettuce.
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic recipe, creamy pasta salad
