BLT Pasta Salad: Summer's Favorite Side
There's a reason BLTs have been a summertime favorite for generations. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing are a combination that's hard to beat.
This BLT Pasta Salad takes everything you love about the classic sandwich and transforms it into a fresh, satisfying dish that's perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, meal prep, or packing alongside lunch as everyone heads back to school and work.
It's easy to customize, comes together quickly, and tastes even better after the flavors have had a little time to mingle in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
For the Salad
12 oz rotini pasta
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh cracked black pepper
For the Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and cheese if using.
Toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce so it stays crisp.
Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a little extra bacon on top.
Why We Love This Recipe
This pasta salad checks all the boxes.
✔️ Easy to prepare ahead of time
✔️ Perfect for barbecues and potlucks
✔️ Great for weekday lunches
✔️ Family-friendly
✔️ Easy to customize
It's hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch but also makes an excellent side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
Easy Ways to Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
Try adding:
Avocado
Diced grilled chicken
Corn cut fresh from the cob
Chopped cucumber
Crumbled blue cheese
Fresh basil
Sliced green onions
You can also substitute turkey bacon or use a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter version.
Make-Ahead Tip
If you're preparing this salad in advance, store the chopped lettuce separately and mix it in just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp while allowing the other ingredients to soak up the dressing's delicious flavor.
One More Taste of Summer
As summer begins winding down, recipes like this help make the most of the season's freshest ingredients while keeping mealtime simple.
Whether you're feeding the family after a busy day, bringing a dish to a neighborhood barbecue, or packing lunches for the week ahead, this BLT Pasta Salad is one you'll find yourself making again and again.
Enjoy!
— The Navigate Team