BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that always hits the spot—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. It takes everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich and turns it into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, lunches, or easy weeknight dinners.

The crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce all come together with tender bowtie pasta and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast at potlucks, so I always make a little extra.

What I love most? You can prep it ahead of time and just let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in. It’s easy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser.

The first time I made it, I set the bowl in the fridge to chill for dinner later that night. By the time I went to serve it, Veldon had already helped himself to most of it—and I’m not exaggerating when I say he polished off almost the entire thing. I barely got a bite! Safe to say, it’s now one of his most requested dishes… and I’ve learned to set some aside for myself before he gets to it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a fun twist on a classic: If you love BLTs, this pasta salad is right up your alley. It’s got all the flavors you know and love—bacon, lettuce, tomato—mixed into a creamy, tangy dressing with pasta to make it extra filling.
• Perfect for potlucks and BBQs: This dish is always a hit at gatherings. It travels well, holds up in the fridge, and tastes just as good (if not better) after chilling for a bit.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve—one less thing to stress about when you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share.
• Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can throw this salad together in no time. Great for busy weeknights or when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Add extras like shredded cheese, avocado, or even grilled chicken to make it your own.

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Bowtie pasta: Also called farfalle, this pasta holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly. Be sure to rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.
• Bacon: Crispy is key! Cook it until it’s nice and crunchy so it holds up well in the salad. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix everything together.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add the perfect pop of flavor. Slice them in half so they blend well with the other ingredients and release less moisture. Grape tomatoes are fine, too.
• Boston lettuce: This soft, buttery lettuce adds a nice fresh crunch. Wait to stir it in until just before serving if you’re making the salad ahead of time. This is my favorite kind of lettuce, so I chose it for this recipe.
• Red onion: Adds a bit of bite and color. Finely chop it so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy note and smooth texture to the dressing. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole salad and cuts through the richness. Fresh is best for a clean, zesty flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps the dressing emulsify. Just a little goes a long way.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste! Don’t forget to taste the salad before serving and adjust if needed.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

• Step One: Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
• Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

• Step Three: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl along with the bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion. Gently toss to coat everything in the dressing.
• Step Four: Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

What to Serve With It

BLT Pasta Salad is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also makes a great side dish for all kinds of meals. Here are a few tasty ideas:

• Grilled meats: It pairs perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or steak fresh off the grill.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Serve it alongside a turkey club, chicken wrap, or even a classic grilled cheese for an easy lunch or dinner.
• Soup and salad combo: Try it with a light soup, such as tomato basil or chicken noodle, for a cozy meal.
• Picnic spread: Add it to your picnic basket along with fruit, chips, and cookies for a well-rounded outdoor feast.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use a different pasta shape: Bowtie is fun, but rotini, penne, or shells work just as well. Go with whatever you have on hand.
• Swap the lettuce: Boston lettuce is soft and mild, but you can use romaine, iceberg, or even baby spinach for a different texture and crunch.
• Add cheese: Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar cheese, or small mozzarella pearls take it to the next level.
• Make it lighter: Use light mayo and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing with a protein boost.
• Add extra veggies: Diced cucumber, bell pepper, or avocado are great add-ins if you want to bulk it up.
• Turn it into a main dish: Add grilled chicken or chopped hard-boiled eggs to make it a more filling meal.
• Make it vegetarian: Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based version if you want to keep it meat-free.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the dressing contains mayo and sour cream, it’s best kept cold and not left out for long, especially if you’re serving it outdoors.

If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the lettuce until just before serving to keep it from getting soggy. Give the salad a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may have settled slightly in the fridge.

Not freezer-friendly, but honestly, it’s so tasty it probably won’t last that long anyway!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Cook the pasta just right: Aim for al dente so it holds up well once mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. Overcooked pasta can get mushy fast.
• Rinse the pasta: After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. This helps the salad come together faster.
• Crisp up the bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy so it stays crunchy in the salad. Soft bacon tends to get lost in the mix.
• Add lettuce last: If you’re prepping ahead, wait until just before serving to stir in the lettuce so it stays fresh and crisp.
• Taste before serving: Give it a final taste after it chills. Sometimes the pasta soaks up a bit of the seasoning, so you might want to add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon.
• Make it your own: This recipe is super flexible. Don’t be afraid to throw in whatever extras you have on hand—this salad can handle it!

Pasta Salad Recipes

• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad
• Lemon Herb Orzo Salad
• Tuna Pasta Salad

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