Craving the iconic flavors of a BLT sandwich but in a refreshing, easy-to-eat format? Look no further than this incredibly simple BLT Pasta Salad recipe! It’s a delightful culinary twist that brings together crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this cold pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes mere minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re planning a lively potluck, a casual church picnic, a bustling family dinner, or simply seeking a delicious and satisfying meal prep option, this BLT Pasta Salad effortlessly rises to the occasion. Its vibrant colors and irresistible combination of textures and tastes make it a standout dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this ultimate blend of comfort and freshness!
Unforgettable BLT Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Cold Pasta Dish
This BLT Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience! It’s undeniably the best cold pasta salad you’ll ever make, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet flavor. From the very first bite, you’ll be captivated by its incredible taste. I recall the first time I whipped up a batch; my husband devoured it so quickly, I almost didn’t get to share it with our loved ones as planned! It was a testament to how utterly irresistible this dish is. Don’t worry, though; they certainly got a generous serving the next time I made it, proving it’s worth making again and again.
Think of this salad as your beloved BLT sandwich, deconstructed and reimagined, with hearty pasta taking the place of bread. This ingenious swap transforms a classic sandwich into a versatile, satisfying, and refreshing pasta salad. While I often opt for elbow macaroni due to its perfect bite-sized shape that easily picks up the dressing and other ingredients, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta. Bow-tie, rotini, or even small shells would work beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
My culinary journey this year has been heavily influenced by a delightful BLT obsession. It began with an epic BLT Dip appetizer, which quickly became a party favorite. Now, this BLT macaroni salad emerges as a killer side dish, proving the versatility of these classic flavors. It’s more than just a macaroni salad; it’s a vibrant symphony of tastes and textures that stands out from traditional recipes. This easy pasta salad recipe is truly packed with flavor, offering a fun and exciting twist on a beloved classic. Its creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes create a harmonious blend that’s surprisingly light yet utterly satisfying.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of BLTs or just discovering their magic, this pasta salad offers a fresh perspective. It’s ideal for warm weather gatherings, busy weeknights, or any time you need a delicious dish that comes together effortlessly. Prepare to fall in love with the convenience, the freshness, and the pure joy of this fantastic cold pasta salad!
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect BLT Pasta Salad
Crafting an epic BLT Pasta Salad starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. This simple yet flavorful combination ensures a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Below is a quick overview of what you’ll need. For precise measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions, make sure to consult the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Elbow Macaroni: The foundation of our pasta salad. Elbow macaroni is fantastic for its ability to hold onto the creamy dressing and its perfect bite-size shape. Any small, bite-sized pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini can be a great alternative.
- Mayonnaise: The heart of the creamy dressing. Mayonnaise provides that rich, tangy, and binding element that brings all the BLT flavors together. For a healthier option or different flavor profile, consider light mayo or even a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Essential for that juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic counterpoint. Tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color.
- Green Onions (Scallions): These provide a mild, fresh onion flavor without being overpowering. They add a delicate crunch and a vibrant green hue.
- Crisp Lettuce: A crucial component that delivers the “L” in BLT. Shredded crisp lettuce, like iceberg or romaine, adds a refreshing crunch and vibrant color, creating that classic BLT experience.
- Smoky Bacon: The star of the show! Crispy, savory bacon provides that irresistible salty, smoky depth that defines a BLT. Ensure it’s cooked to perfection and crumbled for maximum flavor distribution.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors, allowing you to tailor the taste to your preference.
Optional Add-Ins to Elevate Your Salad
While the classic BLT combination is superb on its own, a few additions can truly personalize your pasta salad:
- Red Onion: For a sharper, more pungent onion kick compared to green onions.
- Sour Cream: A spoonful can add extra creaminess and a subtle tang to the dressing.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle can enhance the texture and add a Mediterranean note, especially if you’re leaning towards a lighter dressing.
- Grilled Chicken: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding diced grilled chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic addition to many pasta salads, adding a familiar cheesy goodness.
- Avocado: Creamy, rich avocado chunks add a luxurious texture and healthy fats, complementing the freshness of the other ingredients.
- Homemade Croutons: For an extra layer of crunch and a seasoned bread element, echoing the “toast” of a BLT sandwich.
- Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami kick that can elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Celery: For added crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.
Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing the Best
Tomatoes: You have a lot of flexibility here! Feel free to use whatever fresh tomatoes you have on hand or prefer. Cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, Beefsteak tomatoes, or grape tomatoes all work wonderfully, offering slightly different sweetness and juiciness. Halve or quarter smaller varieties, and dice larger ones into bite-sized pieces.
Lettuce: The key to great BLT pasta salad is crisp lettuce. I typically use whatever crisp lettuce we have in the refrigerator. Iceberg lettuce provides a classic, watery crunch, while romaine lettuce offers a slightly firmer texture and deeper green color. Both are excellent choices, so pick your favorite!
Mayonnaise: For a creamy BLT Pasta Salad, mayonnaise is paramount. If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, or simply want to try something different, ranch dressing makes a fantastic substitute, adding a different herbaceous tang to the mix. You could also experiment with a blend of mayo and sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Bacon: The crispy, salty bacon is non-negotiable for a true BLT experience. This recipe works beautifully with pork bacon, turkey bacon (for a leaner option), or even vegetarian bacon alternatives for plant-based diets. For an exceptionally quick and easy method to achieve perfectly crispy bacon, be sure to check out our air fryer bacon recipe.
Pasta: As mentioned, the ideal pasta for this cold salad is a bite-sized variety. Elbow macaroni is classic, but other small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini will work perfectly to ensure the dressing and other ingredients are well distributed in every bite.
Essential Equipment for Your BLT Pasta Salad
Making this delightful BLT Pasta Salad requires only a few standard kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, leading to a perfectly mixed and delicious salad.
- Large Bowl: This is arguably the most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe. You will undoubtedly need a generously sized bowl to mix all the ingredients thoroughly and without spills. This recipe yields a substantial amount of pasta salad, so a small or even medium-sized bowl will likely be too small, making it difficult to combine everything properly. We found that the large red bowl from this set worked perfectly, offering ample space for tossing.
- Wooden Spoons or Sturdy Spatulas: I find that large wooden spoons are the easiest and most effective tools for mixing all the ingredients together, especially when dealing with a large volume of pasta and dressing. Their sturdy nature allows you to gently fold everything without crushing the delicate lettuce or tomatoes. Alternatively, a couple of strong spatulas can also do the trick.
- Large Skillet, Saucepan, or Pot: You’ll need one of these to cook your chosen pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. A large pot is preferable to ensure the pasta has enough space to cook evenly without clumping.
With these simple tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to create a stunning and delicious BLT Pasta Salad that will impress everyone!
Crafting Your Perfect BLT Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious BLT Pasta Salad is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. While complete, detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a quick overview to get you started on your culinary journey.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni or chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente consistency. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly. For cold pasta salads, it’s crucial to rinse the cooked pasta immediately with cold water. This stops the cooking process, preventing it from becoming overcooked, and also removes excess starch, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and keeps the salad lighter.
While the pasta cools, prepare your fresh vegetables. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and slice the green onions thinly. Having these ready will make the assembly process seamless.
Step 2: Combine and Chill the Core Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, add the cooled, drained pasta. Then, add a generous dollop of mayonnaise, along with the chopped tomatoes and sliced green onions. Stir everything together thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mayonnaise and all ingredients are well combined. I’ve found it’s best to add the mayonnaise first and toss it with the pasta before introducing the other vegetables. This ensures every noodle gets a luscious coating, preventing dry spots and ensuring consistent flavor throughout the salad. Once mixed, cover the bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill.
Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is wonderfully refreshing when served. While the salad is chilling, this is the perfect time to cook your bacon. Cook it until it’s perfectly crispy, then drain it well on paper towels and let it cool before chopping. This separate preparation ensures the bacon retains its crispiness until the last moment.
Step 3: Final Assembly and Garnish
Just before you’re ready to serve your BLT Pasta Salad, retrieve the chilled pasta mixture from the refrigerator. This is the moment to add the final, fresh components. Chop the cooked bacon into savory bits and shred your crisp lettuce. Add both the chopped bacon and shredded lettuce to the bowl with the pasta mixture. Gently mix everything together until the bacon and lettuce are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
To give your BLT Pasta Salad a beautiful and inviting presentation, garnish it with a few extra bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. This final touch adds visual appeal and signals the delicious flavors within. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh!
Preparation and Storage Tips for Your BLT Pasta Salad
Ensuring your BLT Pasta Salad stays fresh, crisp, and delicious is key to enjoying it to its fullest. Proper preparation and storage techniques will help maintain its texture and flavor, making it a convenient option for meals and gatherings.
Make Ahead Strategies:
This BLT Macaroni Pasta Salad is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep, which can be a real time-saver. You can prepare the pasta, mix it with the mayonnaise, chopped tomatoes, and green onions, and chill it up to a day in advance. However, for the best possible texture and to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the bacon from becoming soggy, it is highly recommended to wait until just before serving to add the chopped bacon and shredded lettuce. These ingredients are crucial for the signature “BLT” crunch and freshness, which are best preserved by adding them at the last minute.
Optimal Storage:
Any leftovers of your BLT Pasta Salad should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. When stored correctly, the salad can remain fresh and delicious for up to three days. This makes it a fantastic option for lunches throughout the week or for enjoying a second helping after a party. Always ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can lead to drying out or absorption of refrigerator odors.
Freezing Considerations:
While many dishes lend themselves well to freezing, this BLT Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Its primary ingredients, particularly the mayonnaise, do not freeze well. Mayonnaise is an emulsion that tends to separate and become oily or grainy when thawed, completely altering the creamy texture of the dressing. Similarly, the fresh lettuce and tomatoes will lose their crispness and become watery and mushy upon thawing. Therefore, freezing this pasta salad is not recommended if you want to maintain its quality and appealing texture. Plan to consume it within the refrigerated storage timeframe for the best culinary experience.
Recipe Variations + Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs, preferences, or simply to add a unique twist. Here are some ideas and tips to make your pasta salad truly spectacular.
Ingredient Substitutions to Explore:
- Tomatoes: Don’t feel limited to one type of tomato. You can use any available tomatoes – cherry, Roma, beefsteak, or grape tomatoes all work beautifully. The key is to dice them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and even distribution of flavor.
- Lettuce: The crispness of the lettuce is important for that classic BLT crunch. Use whatever crisp lettuce you have in your refrigerator. Both iceberg and romaine lettuce are excellent choices, offering a refreshing texture. Avoid softer lettuces that might wilt too quickly in the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: If mayonnaise isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider swapping it out for ranch dressing. Ranch will add an herbaceous tang that complements the BLT flavors wonderfully. For a lighter, tangier dressing, you could also mix half mayonnaise with half sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Bacon: For the “B” in BLT, crispy bacon is paramount. While traditional pork bacon offers a classic flavor, you can easily make this pasta salad with turkey bacon for a leaner option or even veggie bacon for a plant-based alternative. For incredibly easy and perfectly crisp bacon, be sure to check out our dedicated air fryer bacon recipe.
- Pasta: Any bite-sized pasta will work well in this recipe. While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, consider other shapes like small shells, ditalini, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta) for a different visual appeal and texture.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply replace the bacon with a meatless alternative. There are several excellent plant-based bacon products available that can mimic the smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture.
- Vegan Option: For a fully vegan BLT Pasta Salad, you’ll need to make two key changes. First, replace the bacon with a plant-based substitute. Second, ensure your mayonnaise is a plant-based variety. Many excellent vegan mayonnaise brands are readily available in most grocery stores.
- Gluten-Free: Making this recipe safe for a gluten-free diet is as simple as using gluten-free pasta. Most major pasta brands now offer delicious gluten-free options that perform just as well as their wheat-based counterparts.
Serving Size and Customization:
- Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe is designed to yield six satisfying servings. This recipe is incredibly flexible and scales easily to your desired yield. Whether you need a smaller portion for a quiet meal or a massive batch for a large gathering, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally.
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, transform your BLT Pasta Salad into a spicy sensation! Replace the regular mayonnaise with our vibrant Japanese Spicy Mayo. This addition will introduce a delightful kick and a deeper flavor profile.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains about 4 grams of sugar per serving. To make this dish completely sugar-free, ensure you use diced tomatoes that have no added sugar. Most canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes are naturally very low in sugar, but always check labels if you are using pre-packaged options.
Pro Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad:
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a pleasant chew, which is crucial for a cold salad.
- Rinse Pasta Thoroughly: As mentioned in the instructions, rinsing with cold water is key for cold pasta salads to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Drain Bacon Well: After cooking, drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. This ensures your bacon bits are crispy and don’t make the salad greasy.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the pasta, and then taste the final salad. Adjust salt, pepper, or tanginess (with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice) to your liking.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour (or longer) allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, making for a much more delicious experience.
What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad is a truly versatile dish, embodying all the goodness of a classic BLT sandwich in a satisfying cold format that can be enjoyed year-round. It works wonderfully as a standalone lunch, but truly shines when paired with complementary dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions to inspire your next menu planning, ensuring a complete and delightful meal.
Perfect Side Dishes:
While the BLT Pasta Salad can hold its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other sides that complement its creamy and fresh profile. Consider lighter, oven-baked dishes or fresh vegetable options. Some excellent choices include Broccoli Casserole for a cheesy vegetable side, Apple Stuffing for a touch of autumnal sweetness, comforting Funeral Potatoes, a tangy Sauerkraut Salad, or savory Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. For a heartier starch, an Air Fryer Baked Potato is always a hit. Don’t forget the bread! Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream adds a lovely texture. Other excellent options include Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams, classic Southern Style Green Beans, or hearty CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans.
Hearty Main Dishes:
To make the BLT Pasta Salad part of a larger, more substantial meal, pair it with a robust main course. Its refreshing qualities balance heavier dishes beautifully. Try it alongside the rich and creamy Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, a comforting Stovetop Meatloaf, or a savory Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers. Slow-cooked meats like CrockPot Rosemary Pork or CrockPot Salisbury Steak also make fantastic companions. For a taste of Southern comfort, consider Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings or CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham. And for a unique breakfast-for-dinner twist, CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits offers a delightful contrast.
Delightful Desserts:
After a savory BLT Pasta Salad, a sweet treat is the perfect way to conclude your meal. Choose from a variety of comforting and classic desserts. Indulge in the decadence of Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake, the zesty freshness of Lemon Bars or a creamy Lemon Icebox Pie. For comforting classics, whip up the Best Rice Krispie Treats, a warm Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler, Bisquick Apple Cobbler, or Bisquick Peach Cobbler. The rich and creamy Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is always a hit, as are spicy Molasses Cookies. And for timeless bakes, a moist Banana Bread or fudgy Classic Chocolate Brownies are always welcome.
Refreshing Drinks:
Quench your thirst with cool and invigorating beverages that complement the flavors of your BLT Pasta Salad. A frosty Coke Slushie offers a fun, sweet option. For a fruity and tart choice, try the Red Robin Freckled Lemonade. And for a classic, sweet accompaniment, a refreshing glass of CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea is always a perfect choice.
When to Serve Your BLT Pasta Salad
The beauty of this BLT Pasta Salad lies in its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic dish for a wide array of occasions, fitting perfectly into casual family meals and larger social gatherings alike. Here are some of the best times to bring this delightful salad to your table:
- Lunch: Light yet satisfying, this pasta salad makes an ideal lunch. It’s perfect for meal prepping at the beginning of the week, providing a delicious and fresh option for busy workdays.
- Dinner: Serve it as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a lighter main course on its own, especially during warmer months.
- Potlucks: This salad is a guaranteed hit at any potluck. It travels exceptionally well, requires no reheating, and caters to diverse tastes, making it an effortless contribution.
- Cookouts and BBQs: No summer cookout is complete without a delicious cold salad. The BLT Pasta Salad is a natural fit, offering a creamy, crunchy contrast to smoky grilled foods.
- Family and Friend Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more festive celebration, this pasta salad is simple to make in larger batches and is always a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children.
No matter the occasion, this BLT Pasta Salad brings fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it a reliable and much-loved addition to your culinary repertoire. Its ease of preparation and universal appeal ensure it will become a regular request!
Explore More Great Recipe Collections
If you’re looking for more culinary inspiration or delightful dishes to complement your BLT Pasta Salad, we have an extensive collection of recipes tailored for various occasions and tastes. Dive into our curated lists to discover your next favorite meal or side dish:
- 45+ Recipes with Bacon! The Best Bacon Recipes: For all the bacon lovers out there, this collection features a wide array of dishes where bacon takes center stage, offering savory and crispy perfection in every bite.
- 70+ Easy Potluck Recipes for Your Next Gathering: Planning for a communal meal? This extensive list provides simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for sharing and easy to transport.
- Easy Side Dishes for Ham: Find the perfect accompaniments for your holiday or family ham dinner with these delicious and easy-to-prepare sides.
- Sides for Ribs (What to Serve with BBQ Ribs): Elevate your barbecue experience with a selection of sides specifically chosen to complement the smoky, tender goodness of BBQ ribs.
- BBQ Sides (Easy Barbecue Side Dishes): A comprehensive collection of easy-to-make side dishes that are essential for any successful barbecue or outdoor gathering.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our diverse categories, including fantastic copycat recipes that bring restaurant favorites to your kitchen, indulgent dessert recipes for every sweet craving, and convenient CrockPot Recipes for effortless cooking.
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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni Measure uncooked, then Cooked and Drained
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Cup Diced Tomatoes
- 3-4 Cups Lettuce shredded
- 8-10 Bacon Cooked and Chopped
- ¼ Cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until al dente, rinse with cold water and set to the side.
- Cook bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate, set aside
- Combine cooked macaroni, mayonnaise, tomato, and green onions in a bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Add lettuce and bacon, stir together, enjoy
Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 360