side dish

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

Inspired by the viral food trend of transforming classic sandwiches into vibrant salads, this Easy BLT Pasta Salad takes the beloved flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato and combines them with tender pasta in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect no-fuss side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight meal. Using common supermarket ingredients, this recipe brings a fresh and satisfying twist to your table with minimal effort.

Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
15 min
Total time
30 min
Servings:
4
persons

Ingredients

  • 12 ozSmall pasta (rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
  • 8 slicesThick-cut bacon
  • 1.5 cupsCherry or grape tomatoes
  • 4 cupsRomaine lettuce (or other crisp lettuce)
  • 0.5 cupMayonnaise
  • 0.3 cupSour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoonsMilk (any kind)
  • 1 tablespoonApple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoonDijon mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoonGarlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoonSalt
  • 0.3 teaspoonBlack pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly, then drain again thoroughly. Set aside.

    ⏱ 10 min
  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble once cooled. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.

    ⏱ 8 min
  3. 3

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

    ⏱ 5 min
  4. 4

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon (reserving a small amount for garnish if desired), and halved tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    ⏱ 5 min
  5. 5

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for 1-2 hours.

    ⏱ 30 min
  6. 6

    Just before serving, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped lettuce to the chilled pasta salad and toss gently. Serve immediately, garnished with any reserved bacon if desired.

    ⏱ 2 min