This BLT Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, transformed into a satisfying cold pasta salad perfect for picnics and summer gatherings. This Easy BLT Pasta Salad features crisp bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tender rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing.
The recipe is straightforward and ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing Cold Pasta Salad. This Bacon Pasta Salad delivers the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fresh, making it a standout in any list of Summer Pasta Salad Recipes.
Overview of Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
This vibrant Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, transforming it into a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Featuring rotini pasta, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, this Easy BLT Pasta Salad is coated in a rich ranch dressing that ties all the flavors together.
Ideal for picnics or BBQs, this Bacon Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a Cold Pasta Salad that stands out among traditional summer fare.
Ingredients That Shine
The ingredients in this Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe are simple yet impactful.
Rotini pasta serves as the base, providing a perfect texture to hold the creamy dressing.
Adding crispy bacon brings a savory crunch, while halved cherry tomatoes contribute a burst of sweetness. Shredded romaine lettuce adds freshness, making each bite satisfying and enjoyable.
Preparation Steps
Creating this Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is straightforward and quick.
Start by cooking the rotini pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, then allow it to cool completely.
While the pasta cools, fry the bacon until it’s crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Combine the cooled pasta with the bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
Mixing It All Together
Once the ingredients are combined, pour a generous amount of ranch dressing over the mixture.
Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is best served chilled, making it an excellent choice for outdoor events.
Present it in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing look.
Set against a picnic table backdrop decorated with summer-themed accents, this dish not only tastes great but also adds a vibrant touch to your table setting.
Why This Salad is a Summer Favorite
This Picnic Pasta Salad is a standout option among Summer Pasta Salad Recipes due to its delightful combination of flavors and textures.
The balance of creamy ranch dressing with the crunch of bacon and freshness of vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal outdoors, this BLT Pasta Salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
To prepare this Creamy BLT Pasta Salad, cook the pasta until al dente and let it cool completely. While it cools, fry the bacon until crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and a generous amount of ranch dressing. Chill before serving to let the flavors meld.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded romaine lettuce.
- Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g