Description
A delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this BLT Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, cherry tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and red onion. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Chill and Serve: If using, add cheddar cheese. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold.
Notes
- For best texture, add the lettuce just before serving if preparing ahead of time.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (except pasta and bacon)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
