BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad: Bacon, sweet summer tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are tossed with tender pasta that has been coated with a rich dressing for a perfect spin on a classic BLT sandwich. 

Do you have any summer gatherings coming up?

Summer seams to beckon for neighborhood block parties, family picnics, potlucks at the lake, and backyard cookouts. From Bacon Ranch Potato Salad to Italian Pasta Salad to Baked Beans, there are so many recipes that are perfect for summer get togethers.

This BLT salad is also highly recommended for any summer celebration. I mean who would not be thrilled to have a BLT in pasta form?

BLT Pasta Salad

BLTs are the quintessential summer dish–at least at my house. Salty bacon paired with fresh, juicy tomatoes and a crunch of perfeclty toasted bread. MMM, perfection!

To turn this classic sandwich into a pasta salad is just GENIUS!!

And in my book easier than a traditional BLT! I can make the salad and not worry about eating it immediately, like you have to with BLTs–you know, to avoid soggy bread.

How to make BLT Pasta Salad

Step One: Make the Pasta

The first step to making this easy pasta salad, is to prepare you noodles. Any noodle with curves or ridges (like rotini, corkscrew, campanelle, or cavatelli) work well. This helps the dressing and the toppings of the pasta salad to be present in every bite.

Cook your pasta until just al dente and drain. DO NOT rinse your pasta–this causes the pasta to lose flavor and the starch that helps the dressing adhere to the noodles. Let the pasta cool before tossing with the remaining ingredients.

Pro Tip: Cool your pasta quickly by spreading out on a large sheet pan and placing in fridge for 10-15 minutes. 

Step Two: Prepare the toppings for the BLT Pasta Salad

While the pasta is cooking:

• Prepare the bacon–either pan fry or bake in the oven. Be sure to reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings for the BLT pasta salad dressing.
• Slice the tomatoes.
• Chop the lettuce.
• Make the Dressing

Step Five: Toss the BLT Pasta Salad

Add all the dressing, lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes to the cooled pasta and toss well. You can serve immediately, or let sit in the refrigerator up to 12 hours before serving.

BLT Pasta Salad Dressing

You will be shocked to find out what I use in this BLT Salad…………………….BACON GREASE.

GASP!! I know, it seems against my healthy living to use bacon grease. However, very little is used and it is better than any chemically made shortening or oil that is out on the market!

I also use a bit of refined sugar, but you can use honey or maple syrup if you desire–I just find that the sugar dissolves well into the dressing and only adds a hint of sweetness without additional flavors.

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Tips on Homemade BLT Pasta Salad:

• To make this BLT salad versatile for an outdoor gathering (yes, it does contain mayo), nestle your serving bowl on top of a larger serving bowl that has been filled with ice or ice packs. This will keep bacteria from growing for at least 2 hours–probably much longer, especially if you switch out your ice or ice pack, I am just EXTRA cautious!!
• If the thought of bacon grease scares you, just omit it!
• I used nitrate-free organic pork bacon, but any bacon (even turkey bacon) will work.
• To make this a Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad, use gluten free pasta.
• If you happen to have garden fresh roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes, you can use in place of cherry tomatoes–just seed them first to prevent the pasta salad from becoming watered down.
• I do use granulated sugar in the dresssing. Honey will work, but I really like the sweetness without any added taste that comes from honey or maple syrup.
• I used romaine lettuce because that is my preferred green in a BLT sandwich, but iceberg or green leaf lettuce works well too.
• Instead of store bought mayonnaise, you can use this Mayonnaise from Fifteen Spatulas.

MORE SUMMER POT LUCK RECIPES

• Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill
• Watermelon Salsa
• Blueberry Pie Bars
• Magic Cookie Bars from All Day I Dream About Food
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Antipasto Pasta Salad

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad: Bacon, sweet summer tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are tossed with tender pasta that has been coated with a rich dressing for a perfect spin on a classic BLT sandwich. 

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: BLT Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 15

Calories: 271

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• 1 pound whole grain campenelle pasta* corkscrew and rotini noodles work just as well too
• 1 head of romaine lettuce chopped
• 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half
• 3 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1 pound nitrate free bacon
• 1/2 cup good quality mayonanaise
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and cool the pasta completely. I do this by spreading on cookie sheet and tossing into fridge--quick and easy!)
• While pasta is cooking, dice the bacon and cook over medium high heat until bacon is crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of grease.
• Mix together bacon drippings, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss the dressing, cooked and cooled pasta, chives, tomatoes, lettuce and bacon bits together until evenly distributed.
  
  

Notes

• To make this BLT salad versatile for an outdoor gathering, nestle your serving bowl on top of a larger serving bowl that has been filled with ice or ice packs.
• If the thought of bacon grease scares you, just omit it!
• I used nitrate-free organic pork bacon, but any bacon (even turkey bacon) will work.
• To make this a Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad, use gluten free pasta.
• If you happen to have garden fresh roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes, you can use in place of cherry tomatoes--just seed them first to prevent the pasta salad from becoming watered down.
• I do use granulated sugar in the dresssing. Honey will work, but I really like the sweetness without any added taste that comes from honey or maple syrup.
• I used romaine lettuce because that is my preferred green in a BLT sandwich, but iceberg or green leaf lettuce works well too.

Nutrition Facts

BLT Pasta Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 271 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 22mg7%

Sodium 696mg30%

Potassium 294mg8%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 965IU19%

Vitamin C 9.9mg12%

Calcium 19mg2%

Iron 1.2mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!

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Kristen Chidsey

Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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