Oh my gosh, you have to try this BLT pasta salad—it’s the perfect summer dish that comes together in no time! I first made this for a backyard potluck when I needed something quick but impressive, and now it’s my go-to whenever I’m craving those classic bacon-lettuce-tomato flavors. The best part? It’s just as easy as making a sandwich, but way more fun to eat. The creamy dressing clings to every bite of pasta, the bacon adds that irresistible crunch, and the fresh lettuce keeps it light. Trust me, once you try this twist on the classic BLT, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

This isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s a game-changer! Here’s why I’m obsessed:

• Ready in a flash – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (perfect for when hunger strikes!)
• Packs serious flavor – All the classic BLT goodness in every forkful
• Super customizable – Add avocado, swap in turkey bacon, or toss in some cheese
• Crowd-pleaser – Disappears fast at potlucks and barbecues (I always get recipe requests!)

Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible salad – and yes, every ingredient matters! I’ve made this enough times to know these exact measurements create the perfect balance:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work best – they hold the dressing perfectly)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (save that bacon grease for another recipe!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweet ones are my favorite)
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (trust me, romaine stays crisp better than other lettuces)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (the real stuff – none of that low-fat business)
• 2 tbsp sour cream (adds the perfect tang)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed makes all the difference)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (our secret flavor booster)
• Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)

See? Simple ingredients, but when combined just right – magic happens!

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Okay, let’s get cooking! This BLT pasta salad comes together so easily, but there are a few key steps that make all the difference. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have the most flavorful, creamy pasta salad that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first – cook that pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea). Add your penne or fusilli and cook just until al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. Why? Because nobody likes mushy pasta salad! Drain it immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. I like to shake the colander a bit to get rid of excess water – soggy pasta is the enemy here.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta cools, let’s make that dreamy dressing. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the seasonings – maybe more lemon for brightness or another pinch of garlic powder. The dressing should make you go “Mmm!” when you taste it. Pro tip: Letting it sit for 5 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Now for the fun part! In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp romaine. Pour that luscious dressing over everything and toss gently – I use two big spoons to keep from bruising the lettuce. Here’s the secret: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chill time lets the flavors get to know each other and transforms good pasta salad into GREAT pasta salad. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad

After making this salad more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips for BLT pasta perfection:

• Crisp that bacon! Bake it at 400°F for about 15 minutes – it gets evenly crispy without the splatter mess.
• Add lettuce last minute if serving later – keeps it from wilting (I learned this the soggy way!).
• Gluten-free? Swap in your favorite GF pasta – the dressing coats any shape beautifully.
• Bonus upgrade: Toss in diced avocado right before serving for extra creaminess (my husband’s favorite addition).

These little tricks take this salad from good to “Oh my gosh, can I get the recipe?!” good.

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

Listen, I know we don’t always have everything in our fridges – here’s how to tweak this BLT pasta salad when you’re in a pinch:

• Out of sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully (I use the 2% kind for the best texture).
• Not a bacon fan? Turkey bacon still gives that smoky crunch, or skip it entirely for a veggie version.
• Gluten concerns? Any short gluten-free pasta works – just don’t overcook it!
• Mayo haters? Try half mayo, half ranch dressing for a fun twist (my neighbor’s genius idea).

One non-negotiable? Use fresh lemon juice – the bottled stuff just doesn’t give the same bright pop of flavor!

Serving Suggestions for BLT Pasta Salad

This salad plays well with others! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal, or with crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra dressing. It’s also my secret weapon for summer picnics – just pack it in a cooler and watch it disappear at the park. For backyard BBQs, I’ll often double the recipe because it pairs perfectly with burgers and hot dogs too!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s the scoop on keeping your BLT pasta salad tasting fresh: Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best part? No reheating needed – this salad tastes amazing cold! Just give it a quick stir before serving again. Pro tip: If the lettuce starts looking sad, just toss in a handful of fresh greens to revive it.

BLT Pasta Salad Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving! Keep in mind these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (like if you use turkey bacon or add avocado). For the classic version I make, you’re looking at about 320 calories, 18g fat, and 10g protein per generous cup. Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! Remember – the lettuce adds vitamins while the pasta gives you energy, so I like to think of it as a balanced treat.

FAQs About BLT Pasta Salad

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and at potlucks:

Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead? Absolutely! In fact, it gets better after chilling overnight. Just hold the lettuce and add it right before serving so it stays crisp. The flavors really meld together beautifully after a few hours in the fridge.

What’s the best pasta shape to use? Short shapes like penne or fusilli are my go-tos – they hold the dressing perfectly in all their nooks and crannies. Long noodles like spaghetti just don’t work the same magic.

How can I make a vegetarian version? Easy! Skip the bacon and add extra crunch with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped cucumbers. My vegetarian friends love it with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that bacon-like flavor.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry? Sure thing! Just dice them small and remove the seeds to prevent sogginess. But I do find cherry tomatoes hold their shape and sweetness better in this salad.

Why rinse the pasta? It stops the cooking immediately so your noodles stay perfectly al dente. Plus, it washes away excess starch that can make the salad gummy. Trust me on this one!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my absolute favorite way to enjoy BLT flavors all summer long! I can’t wait for you to try this pasta salad and make it your own. When you do, tag me or leave a comment – I love hearing your twists and seeing those gorgeous salad photos! Now go grab that bacon and get mixing!

Irresistible BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in 30 Minutes

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

A refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring the classic BLT flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce to the bowl.
4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add diced avocado or shredded cheese.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Best served cold.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossed
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon lettuce tomato pasta, easy pasta salad