BLT Pasta Salad recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings and picnics. This delightful pasta salad combines turkey bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with farfalle pasta, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s an ideal choice for barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. The best part? It captures the essence of your favorite BLT sandwich in a convenient bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking, this dish comes together in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of turkey bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing delivers a taste explosion.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to swap out ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual lunch, this salad fits right in.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your BLT Pasta Salad recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools that make prep work easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Colander
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the salad ingredients without making a mess.
- Medium saucepan: Used to cook the pasta evenly, ensuring it’s al dente.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly and effectively after cooking.
- Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together the dressing ingredients without crowding.

Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 2 cups uncooked farfalle pasta
- 4 cups chopped or torn Romaine lettuce
- 1 ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 4 slices Turkey turkey bacon (cooked to crispy, chopped)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, crispy turkey bacon, and red onion.
- Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with dressing.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve or enjoy immediately!
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad recipe
BLT Pasta Salad is versatile and perfect for various occasions. It’s a refreshing dish that can be served as a main dish or a side. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the pasta salad on a bed of fresh greens like spinach or arugula for added nutrients and a pop of color.
As a Picnic Dish
- Pack the salad in portable containers for a delightful picnic treat. Its flavors improve as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead option.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pair the pasta salad with grilled chicken breast for a satisfying meal that’s rich in protein and flavor.
As Part of a Buffet
- Include the salad in a buffet spread alongside other summer favorites, creating an inviting variety for guests.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the pasta salad into large lettuce leaves to create refreshing wraps. This adds fun and flair to your presentation.
How to Perfect BLT Pasta Salad recipe
To ensure your BLT Pasta Salad shines at every gathering, consider these simple yet effective tips.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your salad significantly.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to modify the dressing ingredients according to your preference—add more vinegar for tanginess or skip mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Add protein options: Consider including grilled chicken or turkey chunks for extra protein and heartiness.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add an aromatic touch that complements the salad nicely.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Pasta Salad recipe
Pairing side dishes with your BLT Pasta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options you might consider:
- Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection adds smoky flavor and texture.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness that balances the savory elements of the pasta salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes an excellent addition, perfect for scooping up any leftover salad.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers crunch and freshness, complementing the richness of the pasta dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is an easy-to-make side that brings summer vibes to your table.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or legumes offer heartiness while remaining visually appealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your BLT Pasta Salad recipe even more enjoyable. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking pasta: Cooking the farfalle pasta too long can lead to mushy salad. Always follow the package instructions and test for al dente.
- Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing the pasta after cooking can result in a sticky texture. Rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
- Using wilted lettuce: Using old or wilting Romaine lettuce affects the salad’s crunchiness. Ensure you use fresh, crisp lettuce for the best results.
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the dressing can lead to bland flavors. Adjust seasonings according to your taste before combining with the salad.
- Making too much dressing: Overdressing the salad can make it soggy. Start with less dressing, then add more if needed for better control of flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing BLT Pasta Salad recipe
- It is recommended not to freeze this salad as it contains fresh ingredients that do not thaw well.
Reheating BLT Pasta Salad recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this BLT Pasta Salad recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I customize the ingredients in this BLT Pasta Salad recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
How should I store leftovers from my BLT Pasta Salad recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is there a mayo-free option for this BLT Pasta Salad recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit mayonnaise and use additional sour cream or yogurt instead.
Can I use different types of pasta in this BLT Pasta Salad recipe?
Yes! Any short pasta, such as penne or rotini, works well as a substitute for farfalle.
How many servings does this BLT Pasta Salad recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep!
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of your favorite sandwich in a bowl. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch option—you’re sure to love every bite!
BLT Pasta Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing BLT Pasta Salad recipe. Combining turkey bacon, crisp Romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with farfalle pasta, this dish delivers a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Creamy dressing adds a luscious finish that binds all the ingredients together beautifully. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners, this pasta salad is not only quick to prepare but also fully customizable to suit your taste preferences. With its colorful presentation and satisfying blend of textures, it’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked farfalle pasta
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the farfalle pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, turkey bacon, and red onion; toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat; refrigerate until ready to serve or enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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