Hey y’all! If you love all the flavors of a classic BLT in a fun, shareable way, you’re going to adore this BLT Pasta Salad. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender pasta, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, barbecue, or just want an easy lunch, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Super simple to make and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches—everyone loves it!
Packed with crave-worthy textures: crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and tender pasta.
Easy to prepare ahead and stays fresh for days in the fridge.
Highly customizable with your favorite veggies or extra add-ins.

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
8 slices bacon
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, lay the bacon strips on a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 7-8 minutes, flipping as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.

Step 3: Chop and Prep Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently to coat well. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

If prepping ahead, add the lettuce just before serving to retain its crunch.
Let the pasta cool fully before assembling the salad to prevent wilting the veggies.
For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon or try peppered bacon.

Variations

Chicken BLT Pasta Salad: Add 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken breast for added protein.
Spicy BLT Pasta Salad: Mix in 1 diced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
Avocado BLT Pasta Salad: Gently fold in 1 diced ripe avocado just before serving.

Required Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Cutting board and knife
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Large serving bowl

Storage Instructions

Store BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss with lettuce just before serving for best texture.
Not recommended for freezing, as lettuce and pasta may become mushy.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve as a main course with ice-cold lemonade or alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or summer BBQ dishes.
Perfect served on its own as a hearty lunch, or pair with a fresh fruit salad for the ultimate picnic spread!

Pro Tips

For best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld.
Don’t skip rinsing the pasta—this stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together.
Reserve a little extra bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving for irresistible crunch.

FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes?: Absolutely! Try penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni—just cook until al dente.
How can I make this gluten-free?: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just follow package directions to ensure perfect texture.
Can I make it a day in advance?: Yes! Simply wait to add the lettuce until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

BLT Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients