The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic Reimagined
Experience the timeless appeal of a BLT sandwich transformed into a vibrant, satisfying pasta salad! Our BLT Pasta Salad recipe brings together al dente pasta with crisp bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh romaine lettuce, and a delightful creamy dressing that perfectly blends ranch and Italian flavors. It’s a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious dish that promises to be a hit at any gathering, delivering that classic sandwich taste in a delightful new form.
The Story Behind This Beloved BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Every year, the Super Bowl brings family together at my brother and sister-in-law’s home. One memorable year, they decided on a “Souper-Salad Bowl” theme, encouraging everyone to bring their favorite soups and salads to share during the big game. It was a fantastic idea that always leads to a diverse and delicious spread.
That year, I contributed some established family favorites: a slow cooker full of our creamy, savory Reuben Dip and a hearty batch of our Copy Cat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. For the salad category, however, I decided it was time to introduce something new and exciting. I prepared this BLT Pasta Salad recipe for the very first time, eager to see how it would be received. To my absolute delight, the bowl was completely empty by the end of the night! I considered that a significant win for my team, even if my actual football picks weren’t as successful. Since that day, this pasta salad has become a permanent fixture at our family gatherings and potlucks. Its ease of preparation and the inclusion of crisp romaine lettuce, which adds an incredible freshness, are just a couple of reasons why it has remained a perennial favorite.
Craving other fresh and vibrant salad recipes? Be sure to explore my Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad or the flavorful Southwestern Salad with Chipotle Ranch Dressing & Crispy Steak Strips for more delicious inspiration!
What is a Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato Pasta Salad?
A BLT Pasta Salad is a culinary innovation that captures the beloved flavors and textures of the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and transforms them into a delightful pasta dish. Typically, this creamy pasta salad features perfectly cooked pasta combined with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce (often romaine), juicy tomatoes, and a rich, creamy dressing that frequently includes a mayonnaise or ranch base.
What sets this particular recipe apart is its unique blend of two iconic dressings: ranch and Italian. The creamy, herby notes of ranch dressing harmonize beautifully with the zesty, tangy kick of Italian dressing, creating a truly irresistible flavor profile that coats every ingredient. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably versatile, made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that can be effortlessly customized to suit various tastes or dietary preferences. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic BLT experience in a refreshing, substantial salad format, perfect for a light meal, side dish, or an impressive contribution to any gathering.
Choosing the Right Pasta for Your Salad
The type of pasta you choose can significantly impact the texture and overall experience of your BLT Pasta Salad. While this recipe is incredibly adaptable, any short pasta shape works wonderfully. Popular choices include bowtie (farfalle), elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells. I particularly favor rotini pasta for this salad due to its distinct corkscrew shape, which excels at trapping and holding onto every delicious drop of the creamy dressing and all the small, flavorful bits of bacon, tomatoes, and green onions. This ensures a burst of flavor with every bite. Don’t hesitate to mix different types of short pasta for an added textural dimension and a visually appealing mosaic in your bowl. For those following a gluten-free diet, a high-quality gluten-free pasta can be used as a seamless substitute without compromising the dish’s deliciousness.
Creative Variations and Customizations
This BLT Pasta Salad is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to personalize your dish:
Add Protein: To transform this salad into a more substantial main course, consider adding cooked chicken (grilled, shredded, or diced), cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
“BLAT” It Up: For avocado lovers, incorporating diced avocado creates a “BLAT” pasta salad – Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato. The creamy avocado adds a wonderful richness and healthy fats.
Cheese Please: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, or a sharp Parmesan can add another layer of flavor and texture.
Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and crunch by adding finely diced cucumber, bell peppers (red or yellow for color), or even corn kernels.
Herb Boost: Fresh dill, parsley, or chives (in addition to or instead of green onions) can add vibrant herbal notes.
Spicy Kick: A dash of red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce in the dressing can give it a pleasant heat.
Looking for more comforting and creative pasta dishes to make at home? Dive into my recipes for Smoked Salmon Pasta, a hearty Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake, or the indulgent Crab and Shrimp Pasta!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Bacon Pasta Salad
Crafting this delectable BLT Pasta Salad requires only a handful of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and inviting textures that make this dish so irresistible. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for selection and potential substitutions. For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card further down.
- Rotini Pasta: This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for almost any short pasta. I personally choose Rotini because its spiral shape provides an excellent chewy texture that perfectly balances the crispness of other ingredients and effectively catches the creamy dressing. Feel free to opt for a gluten-free version if you have dietary preferences.
- Ranch Dressing: A cornerstone of this salad’s creamy deliciousness. Ranch dressing provides a rich, tangy, and herbaceous base that beautifully complements and mellows the zestier Italian dressing. Its familiar flavor is a comforting addition that appeals to nearly everyone.
- Italian Dressing: The vibrant, tangy notes of Italian dressing are crucial for adding a refreshing lift and complexity to the salad. Typically flavored with ingredients like red wine vinegar, garlic, and a blend of herbs, it provides a zesty counterpoint to the creamy ranch.
- Bacon: The undisputed star! For optimal flavor and crunch, I highly recommend frying your own bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. After cooking, lay it on paper towels to absorb excess grease, then crumble or chop it into small pieces. While pre-cooked packaged bacon bits are an option for convenience, freshly cooked bacon offers an unmatched depth of flavor and texture. You can omit bacon entirely for a delicious meatless pasta salad.
- Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet, and firm tomatoes are ideal for pasta salads. They’re easy to slice in half and their juicy burst adds a wonderful freshness and vibrant color. If grape tomatoes are unavailable, cherry tomatoes, quartered Roma tomatoes, or any other good-quality vine-ripened tomato chopped into bite-sized pieces will work well.
- Romaine Lettuce: The crispness of Romaine lettuce is essential for providing that signature BLT crunch and a refreshing counterpoint to the richer elements. Arugula can also be used if you prefer a slightly peppery note, but avoid overly soft lettuces that might wilt quickly in the dressing. Ensure it’s thoroughly washed and dried before adding to the salad.
- Green Onions: These slender onions offer a milder, more delicate onion flavor that enhances the salad without being overpowering. Their gentle bite and bright green color make them a perfect fresh addition. Chives are a great substitute if green onions aren’t handy.
- Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings are vital for enhancing and balancing all the flavors. Always add them to taste, adjusting as needed after mixing.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch and Italian Dressing
This recipe for BLT Pasta Salad is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping dish that everyone will love!
Step 1: Achieve Crispy Bacon Perfection
The foundation of any great BLT is perfectly crispy bacon. Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully golden brown and crunchy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon strips to a plate lined with paper towels. This crucial step helps remove any excess grease, ensuring your bacon remains crisp and doesn’t make your salad oily. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble or chop it into small, uniform pieces.
Step 2: Prepare and Cool the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta (or your preferred short pasta) according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente consistency. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing serves two purposes: it quickly stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, which prevents the pasta from sticking together and ensures a delightful, firm texture for your cold salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Dressing Blend
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bottled ranch dressing and the bottled Italian dressing. Using a whisk, vigorously blend the two dressings together until they are completely smooth and well-integrated. This creates the signature creamy, tangy, and incredibly flavorful dressing that defines this BLT Pasta Salad.
Step 4: Gently Toss the Pasta with Dressing
Add the cooled and drained pasta to the large bowl containing your whisked dressing. Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently toss the pasta until every single piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy, flavorful dressing. Take your time to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Fold in Freshness and Serve
Now it’s time to bring in the classic BLT elements! Gently fold in the sliced grape tomatoes, the crumbled crispy bacon, the thinly sliced green onions, and the chopped crisp romaine lettuce. Mix carefully to combine all ingredients without crushing the lettuce. Taste the salad and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your exquisite BLT Pasta Salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness, or for enhanced flavor and chill, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Expert Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta is Key: Always cook your pasta to a true al dente. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much dressing and become mushy, compromising the texture of your salad.
- Chill for Optimal Flavor: While this salad is delicious right after mixing, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or even overnight) lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more harmonious and satisfying taste.
- Add Lettuce at the Last Minute: To prevent the romaine lettuce from wilting and losing its desirable crispness, always fold it into the salad just before you plan to serve. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the lettuce separate and toss it in right before presentation.
- Crispy Bacon is a Must: There’s nothing less appealing than soggy bacon in a BLT. Take the extra time to cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, and be sure to drain it thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Dressings and ingredients can vary, so always taste your salad before serving. You might find it needs a little more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or even an extra splash of dressing to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This BLT Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for meal prepping or bringing to potlucks and gatherings. To store leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. However, for the very best texture, especially concerning the fresh romaine lettuce, it is always recommended to add the lettuce component just before serving.
If you plan to make this salad a day in advance, here’s a tip for optimal freshness: prepare and mix the pasta, bacon, grape tomatoes, and green onions with the ranch and Italian dressing. Store this mixture covered in the refrigerator. Then, on the day of serving, simply chop and gently fold in the fresh romaine lettuce right before you’re ready to eat. This ensures that the lettuce retains its crisp, refreshing bite, making your make-ahead salad taste as fresh as if it were just assembled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About BLT Pasta Salad
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended for its ability to hold dressing, any short pasta shape will work beautifully. Good alternatives include penne, farfalle (bowtie), elbow macaroni, or ditalini. Choose your favorite shape or what you have on hand!
How can I make this BLT Pasta Salad vegetarian?
Making this salad vegetarian is very simple. Just omit the bacon entirely. To add a similar savory depth, you could consider incorporating smoky roasted chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika into the dressing.
What’s the best way to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?
The trick to keeping the lettuce crisp is to add it just before you serve the salad. If you’re preparing the BLT Pasta Salad in advance, store the chopped romaine lettuce separately and gently fold it into the rest of the ingredients right before serving.
Can I use homemade ranch and Italian dressings?
Definitely! Using homemade ranch and Italian dressings will only elevate the freshness and flavor of this pasta salad. Just ensure your homemade dressings have a similar creamy and pourable consistency to store-bought versions to ensure they coat the pasta evenly.
Love It? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredibly flavorful and easy BLT Pasta Salad recipe disappear! Be sure to pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest. That way, you’ll always have it at your fingertips whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish for a party, picnic, or weeknight meal.
More Delicious Pasta Creations to Explore
- Creamy Baked Chicken Pasta with Bacon
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Lemon Basil Pasta
- Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
- Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta
- Creamy Bacon & Ranch Pasta Salad
- Classic Pasta Salad
Ready to mix up a big, delicious bowl of this BLT Pasta Salad? We certainly are!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 3 Piece Wooden Salad Set
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package of Rotini Pasta
- 2/3 cup bottled ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup bottled Italian dressing
- 1 pound bacon fried until crispy and then crumbled
- 2 cups sliced grape tomatoes
- 10 leaves Romaine lettuce washed, dried and chopped
- Tops of 4 green onions sliced
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy. Remove excess grease by laying on a paper towel, then cut or crumble into small pieces.
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse thoroughly in cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk the ranch and Italian dressings together until well combined.
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Then, gently fold in the remaining ingredients: tomatoes, bacon, green onion, and romaine lettuce.
- Serve immediately for freshest texture, or chill in the refrigerator until needed to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on February 18, 2015. It has been thoroughly updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and re-shared on May 17, 2022.
