Go Back
Bowls of BLT Pasta Salad with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy dressing

BLT Pasta Salad

A delightful blend of textures and flavors featuring rotini pasta, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Bacon

  • 12 oz rotini pasta or your favorite pasta shape
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.

Cook the Bacon

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add the thick-cut bacon slices. Cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Combine Ingredients

  • In the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

Taste and Adjust

  • Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Chill and Serve

  • Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the pasta and ensure that your bacon is crispy. You can customize the salad by adding other favorite veggies or making variations for dietary preferences.
Keyword BLT Salad, pasta salad, Picnic Recipe, Quick Meal, summer salad