Caesar BLT Pasta Salad
A delicious fusion of creamy Caesar dressing, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and juicy tomatoes tossed with pasta, perfect for summer picnics.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta Fusilli and rotini work best as their spiral shapes trap the dressing.
- 6 slices bacon For added flavor, consider using precooked bacon.
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped Use fresh Romaine for best flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Ripe tomatoes enhance the salad's brightness.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese Additional parmesan can be sprinkled before serving.
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can be reduced for a lighter option.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Adjust to taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside.
Preparing the Bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, flipping halfway through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Caesar Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped Romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
Adding Dressing
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss again until the salad is well-coated.
Serving
- Right before serving, sprinkle the salad with additional parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.