A crowd-pleasing side dish that can also stand on its own as a light lunch or dinner? That’s our BLT pasta salad. This dish puts everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich – smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce – into a refreshing pasta salad that comes together with a creamy homemade dressing. Ready in about 30 minutes, BLT pasta salad is the perfect dish for your next cookout, potluck, or family dinner.
How Do You Make BLT Pasta Salad?
To make BLT pasta salad, cook thick-cut bacon until crisp and your favorite short pasta until tender, whisk together a creamy dressing, then toss everything with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors blend.
Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound TBS thick-cut bacon (any flavor), cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced green onions
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. Cook the Bacon
Using your preferred method, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and chop into bite-sized pieces after it cools.
3. Make the Dressing
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Make the Salad
Combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and serve.
Butcher’s Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook just until al dente, so it holds its shape after chilling.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar: You can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly shredded cheese slightly melts into the dressing for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with all your grilled favorites like burgers, bratwurst, smoked sausages, barbecue chicken, pork chops, steaks, and pulled pork sandwiches.
Looking for More Summer Side Dishes?
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
Grilled Street Corn
Grilled Avocado
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the salad up to one day ahead, but wait to add the lettuce until serving.
What pasta works best for BLT pasta salad?
Rotini, bow tie, shells, or penne all hold the creamy dressing well.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all go well with the smoky bacon.
How long does BLT pasta salad last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the freshest texture, keep the lettuce separate.
Put BLT Pasta Salad on Your Family’s Table with The Butcher Shop
To really make this simple recipe shine, we recommend starting with high-quality, thick-cut bacon. We’ve found it stays crisp longer and delivers a richer, meatier flavor than thinner varieties. At The Butcher Shop, you’ll find old-fashioned pork, beef, and cottage bacon, all smoked in-house in a variety of flavors. You’ll also find farm-fresh produce and other high-quality ingredients you can feel good about putting on your family’s table. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.