Every family gathering seems to have that one dish people keep going back for. Sometimes, it disappears before the burgers. A creamy BLT pasta salad brings together crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and pasta tossed in a creamy dressing. It feels familiar because it takes everything people love about a BLT sandwich and turns it into a crowd pleasing side dish.
This easy side dish works well for backyard cookouts, graduation parties, family reunions, or simple weeknight dinners. Better yet, you can make most of it ahead of time and chill it until guests arrive.
If you like a BLT sandwich, you will probably like this pasta salad too. The bacon brings plenty of flavor, while the tomatoes and lettuce keep it fresh. Add pasta and a creamy dressing, and you have an easy side dish that works for cookouts, family dinners, or backyard get togethers.
Why You Will Love This Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
This recipe uses simple ingredients and does not take much time to make. You can cook the bacon and pasta ahead of time, which makes party prep easier. Just wait to add the lettuce until serving so it stays crisp.
Even better, you can adjust it to fit your family’s tastes. Add shredded cheese, diced avocado, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal. For the best flavor, cook the bacon until crisp and let the pasta cool before mixing everything. Warm pasta can soften the lettuce too quickly.
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, cook the bacon until crisp. Place on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and cheddar cheese if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until coated.
- Right before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce to keep it crisp.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Easy Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Want to change it up a little? Add avocado right before serving or use iceberg lettuce for extra crunch. If you are making this for a party, cook the bacon and pasta the day before to save time.
This pasta salad also works well for cookouts, family picnics, or taking along to a potluck. Just keep it chilled until serving.
Some recipes only get made once. Others show up at every summer gathering because people ask for them again. This creamy BLT pasta salad just might become one of those recipes.
For more cuisine ideas, check out Compass Cuisines.
