Standing in front of the fridge wondering what to bring to a summer potluck used to stress me out. I wanted something better than the standard chicken bacon ranch pasta. That is exactly why this BLT Pasta Salad became my go-to recipe.
It takes all the familiar flavors of a classic bacon sandwich and turns them into a filling bowl. The tangy BBQ dressing is what really sets it apart from other pasta salads. You can easily toss it together in just twenty-five minutes for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Easy BLT Pasta Salad
I always keep these simple staples on hand for a fast meal. Pro tip for selecting tomatoes is to pick ones that feel heavy for their size.
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (My preference is rotini because the spirals hold the creamy dressing)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 to 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (I recommend a mild brand so it does not overpower the fresh vegetables)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- dash cayenne pepper
- 1/2 bunch green onions (sliced to taste)
- 2 to 4 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled) (In my experience, baking the bacon in the oven gives the most even crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend cooking your pasta a minute shy of the package time so it stays firm.
Step 1: Boil salted water in a 3 quart pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, meaning it is tender but still has a slight firm bite. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 2: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water. I usually toss a few ice cubes directly into the colander to speed up the cooling process so the pasta is ready for the dressing.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne until completely smooth.
Step 4: Add the cooled pasta, green onions, and tomatoes to the bowl. Fold everything together gently so the pasta does not break.
Step 5: Fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce. Hold the crumbled bacon separate and add it right before serving to keep the texture perfectly crispy.
What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad
Finding the right sides makes this meal feel complete and balanced.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites: The sweet and savory glaze on these bite-sized pieces pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon in the salad.
Loaded Chicken Club Sandwich: If you want to stick with the deli theme, a hearty sandwich turns this side dish into a full and filling meal.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A warm bowl of soup offers a comforting temperature contrast to the cold and creamy pasta salad.
Crispy Salmon Bowls: Light and flaky salmon adds healthy protein to the plate without making the meal feel too heavy.
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders: These small sliders double down on the bacon flavor and are great for feeding a hungry family.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together and taste even better the next day. I recommend keeping the crumbled bacon in a separate small container so it stays crunchy until you are ready to eat. This dish travels well for summer picnics if you keep it on ice in a cooler.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the dressing and pasta a day in advance. Just add the lettuce and bacon right before serving so nothing gets soggy.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
I usually use a standard hickory or mild BBQ sauce. Avoid anything too spicy or heavily smoked so it does not clash with the bacon.
Do I have to use iceberg lettuce?
Iceberg gives the best crunch, but you can substitute romaine lettuce if that is what you have in your fridge.
Conclusion
This recipe takes the stress out of feeding a crowd or your own family on a busy weeknight. It is incredibly simple to throw together and the results are always rewarding. Grab some bacon and pasta tonight to see just how fast this disappears from the table.
Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil salted water in a 3 quart pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, meaning it is tender but still has a slight firm bite. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water. I usually toss a few ice cubes directly into the colander to speed up the cooling process so the pasta is ready for the dressing.
- In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, BBQ sauce, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne until completely smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, green onions, and tomatoes to the bowl. Fold everything together gently so the pasta does not break.
- Fold in the chopped iceberg lettuce. Hold the crumbled bacon separate and add it right before serving to keep the texture perfectly crispy.
