A fresh twist on a classic sandwich, this BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—tossed with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for summer BBQs, picnics, and easy lunches.
When summer hits and we’re all craving something cool and satisfying, this pasta salad always makes its way onto my table. It’s got that familiar BLT flavor, but with a little extra comfort thanks to the bow tie pasta and creamy dressing. Think of it as your favorite sandwich in salad form—no bread needed!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SALAD
This BLT Pasta Salad hits the sweet spot between hearty and fresh. It’s got:
- The crunch of romaine lettuce
- The smoky bite of crispy bacon
- Juicy, sweet tomatoes
- Tender farfalle (aka bow tie) pasta
- A creamy, tangy dressing with ranch and a little zing from apple cider vinegar
It’s quick to throw together, easy to transport, and guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear at a potluck. I also love packing it up for road trips or weekday lunches—it holds up beautifully if you prep it right.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Here’s what you’ll need to make this summery pasta salad:
- Pasta – Any small, bite-sized shape will work. I love farfalle because it looks cute and holds dressing well. Rotini is a great substitute.
- Romaine Lettuce – I like the crispness and flavor of romaine, but iceberg works too if that’s what you’ve got.
- Tomatoes – On-the-vine or grape tomatoes are perfect for a little sweetness and color. Roma tomatoes are another great choice.
- Bacon – Bake it until crispy, then chop it up. Regular, thick-cut, or turkey bacon all work well.
- Red Onion – Adds a nice sharp bite and crunch. If raw onion’s not your thing, feel free to leave it out.
- Ranch Dressing – This is your creamy base. Use a good-quality bottled version or homemade if you prefer.
- Sour Cream – Optional, but I highly recommend it for extra tang and creaminess.
- Mayonnaise – Gives you that classic BLT flavor in the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens everything up and balances the creaminess.
HOW TO MAKE BLT PASTA SALAD
This salad comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta according to package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool.
- Prep the Ingredients – While the pasta cools, cook your bacon until crisp, then chop. Halve or chop your tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and slice the onion.
- Mix the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together ranch, mayo, sour cream (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the quantities to your taste, but aim for about ¾ cup total.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. Pour over the dressing and toss everything gently until coated.
- Chill or Serve – You can serve it right away or pop it into the fridge to chill before serving.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE BEST FLAVOR
- If you’re not a fan of red onion, just skip it—this salad is still delicious without it.
- Farfalle looks pretty, but don’t be afraid to sub in penne, shells, or rotini if that’s what you have.
- Missing the bread element of a BLT? Toss in some seasoned croutons for crunch.
- No mayo? Use extra sour cream or ranch dressing. The total creamy mixture should be around ¾ cup for the best balance.
RECIPE FAQs
How long does BLT pasta salad keep in the fridge?
Because it includes fresh lettuce, this salad is best eaten the day it’s made. The lettuce wilts pretty quickly after mixing, especially if it’s dressed.
If you’re making it for a party or picnic, I recommend keeping the lettuce separate and combining it with the rest of the salad just before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, just be strategic. You can prep everything—cook the pasta, crisp the bacon, mix the dressing—and keep it all separate in the fridge. Store the chopped lettuce in a sealed container with a paper towel to keep it crisp. Then, toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
HOW TO SERVE
This BLT Pasta Salad works beautifully as a main dish for a light lunch or as a side with grilled meats like chicken, burgers, or ribs. It’s also a great potluck or picnic option—just remember to keep it cool if you’re taking it outside.
If you want to bulk it up a bit more, toss in some cubed grilled chicken or even hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
STORING LEFTOVERS
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. If the salad is already mixed, try to eat it within a day—the lettuce tends to wilt and the pasta soaks up the dressing over time. If you’ve kept the lettuce separate, the pasta and dressing will hold up for 2–3 days.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This BLT Pasta Salad is one of those easygoing, feel-good recipes you’ll keep coming back to all summer long. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and it delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, sharing it at a potluck, or just craving something fresh on a hot day, it’s got you covered.
BLT Pasta Salad
A fresh twist on a classic sandwich, this BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—tossed with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked farfalle pasta
- 4 cups chopped or torn Romaine lettuce
- 1½ cups chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, chopped bacon, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- You can serve it immediately or cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to eat.
Notes
- You can swap farfalle for any small, bite-size pasta like rotini or penne.
- If you're not into red onions, feel free to leave them out.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 246Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 20mgSodium 286mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 6g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
