BLT 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/blt-pasta-salad-recipe/
