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 y’all have any summer gatherings coming up?
This BLT salad is perfect for just that occasion.
I mean 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! I can make the salad and not worry about eating it immediately, like you have to with BLTs–you know, to avoid soggy bread.
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!
Oh yes, you know you want it!!
I dare you to use a bit of bacon grease and whip this up for your next get together–your friends may kiss you, it is that good!! I know I will have a happy husband!
Tips on Homemade BLT Pasta Salad:
- To make this 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 romain lettuce because that is my prefered green in a BLT sandwich, but iceburg or green leaf lettuce works well too.
BLT Pasta Salad
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. Rinse under cold water--this is a needed step for this pasta salad to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch from pasta (normally rinsing pasta is a big no-no!) and drain well. Cool. (I do this by spreading on cookie sheet and tossing into fridge--quick and easy!)
-
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.
Recipe Notes
*Gluten Free Pasta works perfectly in this salad as well.
This recipe was inspired by a recipe I saw in Cuisine, but have made my own tweaks based on preferences.
Looking for Picnic Recipes to WOW Your Friends:
Maple Baked Beans
Slow Cooker BBQ Drumsticks
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
mmmmm a meal salad… my kind of salad! Love this!
Thanks! It is pretty good.
I am totally addicted to BLTs… this looks like a great variation — especially since you can make it ahead
Exactly. Once you make a traditional BLT, you must devour ASAP to prevent sogginess!
Pasta salads make an appearance at our backyard BBQs so much in the summer. This is a great one–I need to try this soon.
I hope you do try it soon.
Love BLTs! Great way to put those flavors into a nice summer salad.
BLTs are a summer staple around here. This salad is great as well though!
This salad looks PERFECT for a picnic Kristen! Yum!
It is one of the first dishes to disappear!
BLT pasta is great – it’s such a family fav at a bbq – love your recipe!
Thanks Debra. This is ALWAYS a hit.
What a fabulous pasta salad! I could eat it all summer long. 🙂
You should–you have grains, protein, and veggies 🙂
Beautiful pasta salad Kristen! My family will love this. Bacon always sells at our house!
Bacon is a winner in our house too!
This sounds perfect for a picnic!!
Thanks Deborah! It is always a picnic hit 🙂
This sounds delicious, Kristen! I might be making it today!
YEA!!! I hope you do!
One of our favorites this summer was pasta salad! This sounds fantastic!
Thanks Anna. It is a great way to enjoy pasta salad and to end the summer this Labor Day weekend.
Great idea for a flavorful (and not boring) pasta salad! Love seeing those lovely tomatoes and Romaine, too! Yum!
Thanks Patricia!
This recipe looks so good. Pasta salad gets so boring. This definitely is a more exciting way to make pasta salad.
What a great way to reinvent a favorite flavor combo!
Thanks Kelly!
Haha! Great minds think alike! I just made a BLT Pasta Salad last month! Yum! I love the addition of a bit of bacon grease. I use to do the same in my potato salad!
I will have to check yours out Beth. This recipe has been on my blog for 3 years now, but was desperate for some new photos.
Pasta salads are so fun! I love how you can switch up a few ingredients and it’s a whole new thing – like take off the bacon and it’s now vegetarian, perfect for Meatless mondays!
Exactly! And such a great way to enjoy pasta in the summer.
What a awesome twist to summer pasta salad! Love it!
Thanks so much Denise.
A BLT is my favourite sandwich. Love this salad, I’m going to make it on the weekend
YAY!! I am sure you will love it Bintu!