There's a reason the BLT has stood the test of time. Crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and just the right amount of creamy dressing create a combination that's hard to beat.
This BLT Pasta Salad takes those familiar flavors and transforms them into a hearty side dish that's perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to weekday lunches. It's fresh, satisfying, and easy enough for cooks of any skill level to make with confidence.
Even better? It can be prepared in advance, making it a go-to recipe for busy summer weekends.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow it to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp.
- Garnish with a little extra bacon and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cook the bacon until it's extra crispy for the best texture.
- Add the lettuce just before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.
- Make the pasta and dressing ahead of time, then combine everything right before your meal.
- Want to make it a complete meal? Add grilled chicken or diced avocado for extra protein and flavor.
Why We Love It
This recipe is everything we want in a summer meal: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and plenty of fresh flavor. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy dressing makes every bite taste like summer.
It's equally at home at a neighborhood barbecue, packed for lunch the next day, or served alongside burgers fresh off the grill.
Some recipes become favorites because they're complicated. Others become favorites because everyone asks for them.
This BLT Pasta Salad falls into the second category. It's fresh, comforting, easy to make, and always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.
If you're looking for one more recipe to add to your summer rotation, this just might be it. Enjoy!
