This pasta salad recipe has all the flavors you love about BLT sandwiches- thick-cut bacon, crisp romaine lettuce, and sweet tomatoes- smothered in a creamy mayo-based dressing. You’re going to love how easily this comes together and how delicious it tastes! You only need one bowl and 25 minutes for this easy recipe. While the bacon is cooking, it’s easy to save time and prep the remaining ingredients and mix the dressing. Serve this easy BLT pasta salad recipe at your next BBQ or party- it would be perfect for the Fourth of July!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Macaroni- another small-medium pasta shape may be used, such as farfalle (bowties), penne, rotini, shells, etc. You can also use gluten-free, whole wheat, or grain-free (such as chickpea) pasta.Bacon- I love thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, but you can use any kind, including turkey bacon or a vegetarian/vegan bacon substitute.Romaine lettuce- another kind of crisp, crunchy lettuce, such as iceberg or any green leaf lettuce will work. You can use mixed baby greens or baby spinach in a pinch.Mayo- mayonnaise is the base for the dressing, but if you want to lighten it up, use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead.Milk- this helps thin out the dressing. You can use a milk alternative, or omit it for a thicker dressing. You can also use buttermilk, if you have it.Apple cider vinegar- this helps add tangy flavor to the dressing and thin it out a bit. You can use another acid, like another vinegar or lemon or lime juice, if you want.Parsley, green onions, and garlic powder– for the dressing. You can use other herbs, like dill and/or cilantro, in addition to or as a substitute for the parsley. Red onion may be used instead of green, and fresh minced garlic may be used instead of garlic powder.
How to make BLT Pasta Salad
First, mix the dressing– a combination of mayo, milk, parsley, green onion, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to do this in a large bowl, and then add everything else to that same bowl. Fewer dishes. Hooray!Then, add the rest of the ingredients and mix together. Cooked pasta, chopped bacon, torn romaine lettuce, and halved cherry or grape tomatoes. That’s it, you’re done!
You can save time by prepping the rest of the ingredients while you cook the bacon and the pasta. You can also take a really easy shortcut by using prepared ranch dressing as an alternative to making the pasta salad dressing yourself.
How to prep ahead of time
It’s easy to prepare this BLT pasta salad as a make-ahead recipe up to 2 days in advance, but there are few tips and tricks to make sure it’s extra delicious.
Reserve half the dressing in a separate container before mixing it together. As it sits, the pasta will absorb the dressing and will seem dryer. Mix the reserved dressing in up to an hour before serving.Prep the tomatoes and lettuce ahead of time, but don’t add them in until just before serving (up to an hour before). Otherwise, they will get soggy.
Other easy pasta salad recipes
Green Goddess Pasta SaladMexican Street Corn Pasta SaladCaprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic DressingCreamy Lemony Vegetable Pasta Salad
Browse this list of 20 Easy Make-Ahead Pasta Salads for more inspiration! Did you know commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways you can support your favorite food bloggers? If you made this recipe or have a question, please click the stars below to comment and Rate this Recipe and/or share photos on social media using the hashtag #bowlofdelicious or tagging @bowlofdelicious!
