Masters of kitchen
Looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast at your next potluck, barbecue, or casual dinner? BLT Pasta Salad is the answer. Inspired by the beloved BLT sandwich, this cool and creamy salad blends everything you love—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—with tender pasta and a rich, flavorful dressing.
It’s a summer staple with a twist, taking the flavors of the classic sandwich and transforming them into a hearty, refreshing side dish or light main meal. And the best part? It’s easy to whip up, highly customizable, and crowd-pleasing for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or prepping it for your weekly meal plan, this BLT Pasta Salad is flexible, flavorful, and full of texture. The smoky crunch of bacon, bursts of tomato, and creamy coating on perfectly cooked pasta make every bite feel like summer on a fork.
What Is a BLT Pasta Salad?
BLT Pasta Salad is a cold, refreshing pasta salad inspired by the ever-popular bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Instead of tucking these ingredients between slices of toasted bread, they’re tossed with pasta and dressing for a cool, fork-friendly dish.
What sets it apart from typical pasta salads? The fresh crunch of lettuce, the smoky depth of real bacon, and that satisfying balance of creamy and savory—all reminiscent of the sandwich that inspired it. It’s lighter than mayo-heavy macaroni salads but still feels indulgent.
Perfect for summer BBQs, school lunches, meal prep, or even as a dinner side dish, this pasta salad can be as dressed up or laid back as you want. It’s comfort food with a fresh edge, and it never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
This isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s the one you’ll come back to over and over again. Why? Because it checks all the boxes:
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Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
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Make-ahead friendly: Mix it up the day before, and it only gets better with time.
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Customizable: Add cheese, switch up the dressing, or throw in a little avocado.
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Perfect for any occasion: Think backyard cookouts, poolside lunches, or weeknight dinners.
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Loved by all ages: Even picky eaters can’t resist creamy pasta paired with bacon and tomatoes.
And let’s be real—anything with crispy bacon is already a win.
Key Ingredients in the Perfect BLT Pasta Salad
To get that just right balance of flavor and texture, here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate BLT Pasta Salad:
Pasta
Stick with short, bite-sized pasta shapes that can catch and hold onto the dressing. Rotini, bowtie (farfalle), or small shells are ideal. Their curves and ridges help soak up every drop of creamy goodness.
Bacon
Bacon is the star here, so don’t skimp. Cook it until it’s golden and crisp, then crumble or chop it finely. Oven-baking is a great method for even cooking and less mess.
Lettuce
Traditional BLT sandwiches use iceberg, but in this salad, you can go with romaine for better texture or even spinach for a touch of green nutrition. Add the lettuce right before serving for that fresh crunch.
Tomatoes
Use cherry or grape tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor. Halve them to spread the goodness throughout the salad. Want something richer? Try chopped heirloom tomatoes when in season.
Dressing
You can’t go wrong with a creamy ranch or a mayo-based dressing. Lighten it up with Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a healthier twist.
Optional Add-Ins
Cheese cubes, diced avocado, chopped green onion, or red onion can add depth and extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Toss the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and prevent wilting!
Choosing the Right Dressing for BLT Pasta Salad
The dressing brings all the BLT elements together, and your choice can totally change the vibe of the dish. A classic ranch dressing is the go-to: it’s creamy, tangy, and complements bacon and tomato beautifully.
Want a healthier option? Greek yogurt-based dressings offer the same creamy texture with a protein boost and lighter taste. Avocado mayo is another great substitute—especially if you’re aiming for a dairy-free or heart-healthy version.
To elevate the flavor even further, whisk in lemon juice for brightness, Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, or garlic powder for a savory touch. Make sure the dressing is thick enough to cling to your pasta but light enough to coat everything evenly.
Best Pasta for BLT Pasta Salad: What Works & Why
The pasta you choose can make or break this dish. Short shapes like rotini, bowtie, and shells work best—they hold dressing in their curves and create the ideal bite with bacon and tomatoes.
Cook your pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite). This helps it hold up without turning mushy after chilling. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
Bonus Tip: Drizzle a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking if you’re prepping in advance.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making this salad is as easy as it is satisfying. Here’s how to bring all those classic BLT flavors into a crowd-pleasing pasta dish:
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions until just al dente. You want it firm enough to hold up once mixed with dressing. Drain, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
While the pasta cools, fry or bake your bacon until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Tip: Oven-baking at 400°F for 15–20 minutes gives perfect results with less mess.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together your chosen dressing ingredients—ranch, mayo, Greek yogurt, or a combo. Add extras like lemon juice or garlic powder for flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and dressing. Stir gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
Step 5: Fold in the Lettuce Just Before Serving
Add chopped romaine or your lettuce of choice right before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
Tips for Make-Ahead Prep:
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Store pasta, bacon, and dressing separately in the fridge.
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Combine just before serving for best texture.
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Keep lettuce dry and chilled until the last minute.
This step-by-step method keeps every bite flavorful and perfectly balanced!
Variations and Add-Ins to Try
One of the best things about BLT Pasta Salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun and tasty ways to mix things up:
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Avocado BLT Pasta Salad: Add diced ripe avocado for a creamy, buttery twist.
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BLT Pasta Salad with Chicken or Turkey: Toss in grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein and a heartier dish.
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Cheese Options: Mix in shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or fresh mozzarella balls for added richness.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or swap your dressing for a chipotle ranch to add a smoky heat.
Whether you’re making this for a party or meal prepping lunches, these add-ins make it easy to tailor the salad to your mood—or the ingredients in your fridge.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes with BLT Pasta Salad?
BLT Pasta Salad is a flexible side that pairs well with so many main dishes. Here are some tasty combos to try:
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Grilled meats: Think juicy chicken skewers, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
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Fresh fruit: Serve alongside chilled watermelon, pineapple chunks, or grape skewers.
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Simple desserts: Keep things easy with lemon bars, brownies, or classic chocolate chip cookies.
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Refreshing drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or even sparkling water with mint makes a great match.
It’s the kind of dish that brings balance and brightness to your table without stealing the spotlight.
Storage Tips: How Long Does It Last?
Proper storage keeps your BLT Pasta Salad tasting fresh and delicious.
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Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
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It’s best eaten within 2–3 days.
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If you’re planning to store leftovers, don’t mix in the lettuce—add it just before serving to keep it crisp.
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To refresh the salad before serving again, stir in a spoonful of dressing and a handful of fresh lettuce.
Helpful Hint: If your salad looks a little dry after chilling, a quick toss with dressing brings it right back to life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making BLT Pasta Salad
A few small missteps can turn your dreamy salad into a soggy mess. Here’s what to steer clear of:
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Using hot pasta: Always cool it completely to avoid wilted lettuce and runny dressing.
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Adding lettuce too early: It gets soggy fast—save it for just before serving.
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Overseasoning or underseasoning: Taste your dressing before adding, and remember bacon adds saltiness.
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Too much or too little dressing: Aim for a nice coating—not swimming in sauce, but not dry either.
Keeping these in mind will help you serve a picture-perfect salad every time.
FAQs About BLT Pasta Salad
Can you make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Just store the pasta, dressing, and bacon separately and fold in the lettuce right before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best bacon to use?
Go with thick-cut bacon for bold flavor and satisfying crunch. Baking it in the oven helps cook it evenly and keeps it crisp after cooling.
Can you make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based bacon or try smoked tempeh for a similar texture and umami flavor without the meat.
How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?
Let your pasta cool fully before mixing it with the dressing. Store your salad in the fridge and only add the lettuce when you’re ready to serve.
This recipe is all about balance and freshness, and with just a few tricks, you can enjoy it at its best every time.
BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or sheet pan (for bacon)
- Cutting board and knife
- Whisk or spoon (for mixing dressing)
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 ½ cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- ¾ cup ranch dressing or preferred creamy dressing
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo optional for creamier texture
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced avocado shredded cheddar, green onions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, Greek yogurt (if using), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bacon, and tomatoes. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
- Just before serving, fold in the chopped lettuce.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate (without lettuce) and add greens just before serving.
Notes
- For best results, keep ingredients separate if making ahead.
- Add lettuce only when ready to serve to keep it crisp.
- Feel free to switch up pasta shapes or use a homemade dressing.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts & Recipe Recap
BLT Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that never goes out of style—easy, versatile, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but light.
Customize it with your favorite add-ins, tweak the dressing to your taste, and you’ve got a recipe that everyone will ask you for.
Have a favorite variation? Share it in the comments! I’d love to know how you make this recipe your own.
