Print

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

creamy blt pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy pasta salad that combines the classic BLT sandwich flavors with rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tangy ranch dressing for a quick and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved or 2 medium tomatoes diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions (9–11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 2 cups iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes or dice 2 medium tomatoes. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together ¾ cup ranch dressing, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crispy bacon pieces, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it. Let bacon drain well to avoid sogginess. Add lettuce last to keep it crisp. Use fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. Toss salad just before serving for best texture. Can be made ahead by preparing pasta and bacon in advance and adding lettuce and dressing later.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon ranch pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/