When summer hits, nothing beats a delicious, easy-to-make side dish that brings all the flavors of a classic BLT into a fresh pasta salad. This crispy creamy BLT pasta salad recipe is exactly that—a perfect combination of crunchy bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a luscious creamy dressing coating tender pasta. Whether you're headed to a picnic or serving up dinner on the porch, this salad adds a bright, satisfying touch to your meal.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this dish in just five easy steps. The blend of textures and flavors will keep everyone coming back for seconds, and the recipe is flexible enough to suit your preferences. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite summer side!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with just 5 simple steps.
- Combines crispy bacon and creamy dressing for irresistible flavor.
- Uses fresh summer ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crunchy lettuce.
- Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs.
- Can be made ahead and tastes great chilled.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your crispy creamy BLT pasta salad. The quantities listed serve about 6 people.
- 12 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 360 per serving
How to Make Crispy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Step Summer Side Dish
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- While the pasta cooks, place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 7-9 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and keep it refreshingly cool.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushy salad after chilling.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor.
- Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and cool it quickly.
- Make the dressing a day ahead to deepen the flavor and save prep time.
- Add extra crunch with diced celery or sliced green onions if you like.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh lettuce, it’s best enjoyed chilled and within this timeframe to maintain crispness.
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. When serving leftovers, stir gently to redistribute the dressing and crisp up the bacon if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works best because it holds the dressing well, you can use penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook it al dente.
How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?
Add the lettuce just before serving or chilling to keep it crisp. Tossing it in the dressing too early can cause it to wilt.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with a smoky tempeh or mushroom bacon alternative. For vegan, use vegan mayo and sour cream and plant-based bacon substitutes.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, prepare the salad components ahead but combine the lettuce with the salad and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.