Who doesn’t love a good BLT? Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce are the perfect trio, but have you ever thought about transforming this classic sandwich into a hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta salad? My BLT Pasta Salad takes all the flavors you love and combines them with a creamy ranch dressing for a dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner.
This salad is not only loaded with delicious ingredients but also incredibly simple to make. With tender rotini pasta, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese, every bite is packed with texture and flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables and savory bacon makes it both satisfying and refreshing, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness.
If you’re looking for a dish that can be prepped in advance, this salad is an excellent option. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a great choice for meal prep or a quick lunch. Plus, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, crusty bread, or even a bowl of soup, giving you endless serving possibilities.
Ready to give this delicious recipe a try? Let’s dive into the details so you can enjoy this mouthwatering BLT Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
- Easy to make – Simply cook the pasta, chop your ingredients, and toss everything together for a quick and effortless dish that comes together in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep – Since it holds up well in the fridge, you can store it in an airtight container for a quick and delicious lunch throughout the week, making mealtime stress-free.
- Great for any occasion – Whether you’re preparing for a summer cookout, a potluck, or a cozy dinner at home, this salad is always a hit and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning (or 1 oz packet)
- 1½ Cups Mayonnaise
- 8 Ounces Sour Cream
For the Salad:
- 16 Ounces Rotini Pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
- ½ Red Onion, diced
- 4 Ounces Cheddar Cheese, cubed
- 4 Cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
- 1-2 Avocados, chopped
- 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 Pound Cooked Bacon, chopped
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, avocado, red onion, and fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta to the bowl and toss again to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle your desired amount of the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Serve immediately or chill before serving for a refreshing touch!
Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad
- Use freshly cooked bacon – It truly makes a world of difference in both flavor and crunch, ensuring that every bite is packed with delicious texture!
- Cool the pasta completely – To prevent it from becoming mushy, rinse it under cold water and allow it to drain thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Add the avocado last – Since avocados brown quickly when exposed to air, adding them at the end ensures they stay fresh and vibrant in your salad.
- Make it ahead – If you’re preparing this salad in advance, it’s best to store the dressing separately and mix everything together just before serving to maintain the freshest flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions
This BLT Pasta Salad is perfect on its own, but if you’re serving it as a side, try pairing it with:
🥩 Grilled steak or chicken
🍞 Garlic bread
🌽 Corn on the cob
Storing Leftovers
To keep your BLT Pasta Salad fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, if you’re making this salad ahead of time, be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crispness of the lettuce and prevent it from wilting, ensuring each bite is as flavorful and refreshing as possible.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich—only better! It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Not only is it easy to make, but it also brings together fresh ingredients in the most delightful way. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, preparing a quick lunch, or trying out a fun twist on pasta night, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
So, why not give it a try? Let me know how it turns out! Do you have a favorite twist on BLT Salad? Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
BLT Salad
Equipment
- Large Pot For boiling the rotini pasta.
- Colander To drain and rinse pasta.
- large mixing bowl To toss and combine all ingredients.
- small mixing bowl To prepare the dressing.
- Whisk or Spoon For mixing the ranch dressing.
- cutting board For chopping vegetables, bacon and cheese.
- sharp knife To dice onions, tomatoes, avocado, and parsley.
- measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure ingredients.
- Tongs or Salad Spoons For tossing and serving the salad.
- Skillet If cooking fresh bacon instead of using pre-cooked.
- Grater If shredding cheese instead of using cubed cheddar.
- Airtight Container For storing leftovers or prepping ahead.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning or 1oz packet
- 1½ Cups Mayonnaise
- 8 Ounces Sour Cream
Salad
- 16 Ounces Rotini Pasta cooked, drained and cooled
- ½ Red Onion, diced
- 4 Ounces Cheddar Cheese, cubed
- 4 Cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
- 1-2 Avocados, chopped
- 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 Pound Cooked Bacon, chopped
Instructions
Dressing
- Mix mayo, sour cream, and Ranch thoroughly and set aside.
Salad
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, avocados, onion and parsley to a large salad bowl and toss.
- Add pasta and toss again.
- Add desired amount of dressing and toss to combine.
I watched you make this. I am going to have to make it at the next church gathering. Thank you.
Yum
Love salad with bacon