Luna
Introducing the ultimate summer side dish – the easy and delectable BLT Pasta Salad! It combines the classic BLT flavors with pasta, making it perfect for outdoor events. With crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s a hit at any summer gathering.
Key Takeaways
- BLT Pasta Salad is a perfect summer dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the refreshing twist of pasta.
- This recipe is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd at picnics, barbecues, and other summer gatherings.
- The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables make this pasta salad a delicious and nutritious side dish.
- With its versatile ingredients and customizable toppings, this recipe can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences.
- Preparing the pasta, bacon, and dressing in advance makes this dish a breeze to assemble.
What Makes BLT Pasta Salad a Perfect Summer Dish
The BLT sandwich is a summer favorite. It has bacon, lettuce, and tomato. This mix inspires the BLT pasta salad, a refreshing dish for the season.
The Classic BLT Sandwich Inspiration
The BLT sandwich is loved for its salty bacon, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This mix of textures and flavors makes it a summer classic. The BLT pasta salad brings a fun twist to this beloved sandwich.
Why This Pasta Salad Version Works
The BLT pasta salad is great for summer. It’s cool and refreshing, perfect for outdoor gatherings. You can make it ahead and serve it chilled, making it easy to host. It’s also versatile, great as a main dish, side, or light lunch.
The BLT pasta salad captures the essence of the classic BLT sandwich. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that delights and satisfies. It’s perfect for enjoying the flavors of summer.
Recipe Overview and Time Requirements
This easy BLT pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer. It only takes 25 minutes to make. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights or last-minute parties.
The recipe needs 1 lb of bacon, 2 heads of romaine lettuce, 3 cups of rotini pasta, and 1 to 2 cups of diced tomatoes. The creamy dressing includes 2 teaspoons of tomato powder, 2 teaspoons of celery salt, 1 tablespoon of dill, black pepper, and 1.5 cups of mayonnaise. Cook the bacon for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Let the salad chill for an hour or longer before serving.
This BLT pasta salad serves 10 people, making it perfect for summer events. It’s easy to make and impresses everyone. It’s a favorite for busy cooks who want to wow their guests without spending hours cooking.
Key Time Requirements
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
“This BLT pasta salad has been a family favorite for decades. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s so easy to make. It’s a go-to dish for our summer gatherings.”
Essential Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad
Making a tasty BLT pasta salad means picking the right ingredients. You need the right pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing. Each part is crucial for a great summer side dish. Let’s explore the key ingredients for this BLT pasta salad.
Base Ingredients
The salad starts with 12 oz of bowtie pasta and 1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled. The bowtie pasta is great for holding everything together. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that’s key to the BLT taste.
Dressing Components
The dressing is a mix of 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of ranch dressing, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This mix gives a tangy flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.
Fresh Produce Selection
- 1 1/2 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved – Adds juicy flavor and color.
- 1 cup of thinly sliced red onion – Brings sweetness and crunch.
- 3 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce – Adds a fresh, crisp touch.
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley – Adds herbal notes and looks good.
With these ingredients, you’ll make a BLT pasta salad that will please your taste buds and impress your guests this summer.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty BLT pasta salad, you need some basic kitchen tools. These tools help from boiling pasta to chopping veggies. Here’s what you’ll need to make this summer dish:
- Large pasta pot: For boiling the pasta salad tools to the perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta and ensure it’s ready for mixing with the other ingredients.
- Large skillet: For crisping up the kitchen equipment bacon to add that delightful crunch.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for combining all the salad components and tossing them in the creamy dressing.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and green onions.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of slicing and dicing the produce, ensuring even and uniform pieces throughout the salad.
With these basic pasta salad tools and kitchen equipment, you’re ready to make a delicious BLT pasta salad. It’s perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pasta Pot | Boiling the pasta |
| Colander | Draining the cooked pasta |
| Large Skillet | Cooking the bacon |
| Mixing Bowl | Combining all the salad ingredients |
| Cutting Board | Chopping the fresh produce |
| Sharp Knife | Slicing and dicing the vegetables |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making the perfect BLT Pasta Salad is easy. Start by cooking the pasta. Use a large pot of salted water and boil it. Cook fusilli or radiatori for 7-8 minutes until it’s tender.
After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Let it cool before moving on.
Preparing the Bacon
Now, let’s prepare the bacon. Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat. It should take about 8-10 minutes to get crispy.
Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease. Then, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
Making the Dressing
Next, make the creamy dressing. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and well mixed.
With pasta, bacon, and dressing ready, you’re almost done. Season to taste and feel free to add more ingredients to make it your own.
Creating the Perfect Creamy Dressing
Making the perfect dressing is key to a great creamy pasta salad. For our BLT-inspired salad, we mixed flavors that match the fresh veggies and crispy bacon. The goal is to get the dressing just right, balancing creamy pasta salad dressing and homemade dressing.
We made our special dressing with 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ranch, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. It’s creamy, tangy, and seasoned just right, bringing everything together.
This dressing works well with the BLT pasta salad’s textures and tastes. Mayonnaise makes it smooth, ranch adds creaminess and herbs, and lemon juice brightens it. It’s a perfect mix that makes the salad a hit.
To mix the dressing well, stir it until everything is fully combined. This makes the dressing coat the salad evenly, spreading the flavors. The right creamy pasta salad dressing turns this dish into a summer favorite!
Tips for Choosing and Cooking Pasta
Choosing the right pasta shape is key for a tasty BLT Pasta Salad. Look for smaller, bite-sized shapes that mix well with other ingredients. Good options include bowtie, rotini, small shells, macaroni, orecchiette, and cavatappi.
To cook pasta right, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use 2-3 tablespoons of salt to flavor the water. Cook the pasta as directed, but don’t overdo it. You want it to be tender but still have a bit of firmness.
After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cool water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Adding a bit of olive oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Best Pasta Shapes for the Salad
- Bowtie (farfalle)
- Rotini
- Small shells
- Macaroni
- Orecchiette
- Cavatappi
Proper Cooking Techniques
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for an “al dente” texture.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it with cool water.
- Toss the drained pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
By choosing the right pasta shapes and cooking them correctly, you’ll make a BLT Pasta Salad that’s sure to impress. Follow these tips to achieve the perfect texture.
How to Prepare and Cook Bacon for Pasta Salad
Crispy bacon makes this BLT pasta salad shine. To get the perfect crispy bacon, follow these easy steps:
- Choose thick-cut bacon for the best results. Look for center-cut bacon with more meat and less fat.
- Cook the bacon in a big skillet over medium heat. Turn it often until it’s golden and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels to get rid of extra grease. Once it cools, chop or crumble it into smaller bits.
- Save 2 1/2 tablespoons of the warm bacon grease for the dressing. It adds a rich, savory flavor.
You can prep the bacon up to 24 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready. If you’re in a rush, you can use bacon bits from the store. But cooking fresh bacon gives better texture and taste.
Whether you cook the bacon in a skillet, oven, or microwave, make sure it’s crispy and golden. The crunchy bacon adds a great contrast to the creamy dressing and soft pasta in your BLT pasta salad.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Thick-cut Bacon | 1/2 pound (5-6 slices) |
| Bacon Grease (for Dressing) | 2 1/2 tablespoons |
Fresh Vegetable Preparation Tips
When making the perfect vegetable prep for your BLT Pasta Salad, focus on freshness and handling. This can greatly enhance your fresh produce. Here are some tips to make your veggies stand out in this delicious summer dish:
- Slice grape tomatoes in half to create bite-sized pieces that will evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Finely dice red onion to provide a subtle yet flavorful crunch.
- Roughly chop fresh spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces, allowing them to seamlessly blend with the pasta and other ingredients.
Using the freshest, ripest vegetables is key. Ripe, in-season produce will give the best flavor and texture. This will make your BLT Pasta Salad taste amazing. With a bit of care in the vegetable prep stage, you’ll get a side dish that looks great and tastes fresh.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spiral Pasta | 500g |
| Streaky Bacon, chopped | 250g |
| Cherry Tomatoes, quartered | 200g |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per Serving | 759 |
| Total Fat per Serving | 50g |
| Saturated Fat per Serving | 14g |
| Cholesterol per Serving | 92mg |
| Sodium per Serving | 1576mg |
| Carbohydrates per Serving | 46g |
| Protein per Serving | 30g |
The recipe also includes a 1 lb box of Fusilli Pasta, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes sliced, an 8 oz block of mild cheddar, and 2 corn on the cobs (or 1 cup of frozen corn). The protein in the sauce and cheddar cheese cubes helps keep individuals full longer, providing vital energy throughout the day.
The ingredients for the salad consist of 5 pieces of cooked bacon, ⅓ cup finely diced red onion, ⅔ cup mayo, and ⅔ cup Greek yogurt. The components used for the ranch dressing sauce include 1 ½ tsp dried dill, ¾ tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp pepper. The dish contains 455 calories, 37g of carbohydrates, 17g of protein, and 26g of fat.
Assembling Your BLT Pasta Salad
Making a BLT pasta salad is easy and fun. The secret is in how you layer and mix the ingredients. Let’s explore how to make your BLT pasta salad a hit.
Layering Techniques
Begin by mixing the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and creamy dressing in a big bowl. Fold everything together gently. This way, the flavors mix well, making each bite perfect.
Mixing Methods
After mixing, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend fully. When you’re ready to serve, stir it gently. This refreshes the flavors and coats everything evenly.
The key to a great pasta salad is in the mixing techniques. Follow these steps for a salad that looks and tastes amazing. It’s sure to impress your friends and satisfy your cravings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
The BLT Pasta Salad tastes best when eaten the same day. But, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remember, it might get a bit dry over time. It’s best to make it just before you serve it.
To prepare the BLT Pasta Salad ahead, cook the pasta and fry the bacon first. Then, make the dressing and chop the veggies. Just before serving, mix everything together. This keeps the lettuce and tomatoes fresh.
When you store leftover pasta salad, use an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for 1-2 days. But, the lettuce and bacon might lose their crispness. For the best taste and texture, eat it within a day or two.
| Preparation Time | Serving Size | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| 40 minutes | 6 people | 2-3 days (refrigerated) |
The BLT Pasta Salad is great as a main dish or a tasty side. It’s perfect for a backyard BBQ, potluck, or casual get-together. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
The BLT pasta salad is a tasty summer dish. It’s not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Each serving has just 3 Weight Watchers (WW) points, making it a guilt-free treat.
This recipe makes 6 servings, each about 1 cup. It includes 2 cups of cooked whole grain penne pasta, 4 cups of grape tomatoes, 4 cups of romaine lettuce, and 6 slices of turkey bacon.
The creamy dressing is made with 1/2 cup of light mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Using light mayonnaise cuts down the WW points by half.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 173 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 16mg |
| Sodium | 454mg |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 6g |
This BLT pasta salad is perfect for summer. It’s a balanced meal with a satisfying size. Enjoy its flavors and textures while keeping your health goals in mind.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Pasta salads are all about being flexible. The classic BLT pasta salad can be changed to fit different tastes and diets. You can swap out ingredients or try new flavors, making it endless.
Dietary Modifications
For a vegetarian version, just leave out the bacon. Add more veggies like fresh spinach, bell peppers, or grilled zucchini. Mushrooms or crumbled feta cheese can also be great bacon substitutes.
Want a lighter version? Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. This change reduces calories and fat but keeps the smoky flavor.
Ingredient Alternatives
Want a different pasta shape? Try elbow macaroni, penne, or whole-wheat rotini for a different feel. Swap cherry tomatoes for diced cucumbers or romaine lettuce for baby spinach.
For a creamy twist, use a homemade avocado dressing instead of ranch. The creamy avocado adds a nice contrast to the bacon and veggies.
The BLT pasta salad is perfect for any dietary need or taste. By trying different ingredients and flavors, you can make a dish that’s just right for you.
Conclusion
The BLT Pasta Salad is a tasty summer dish that brings together the best of BLT sandwiches. It has a creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues.
This recipe makes 4 servings and uses about 1½ pounds of tomatoes. You’ll need sungold, heirloom, beefsteak, and vine-on tomatoes.
The breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunch. The garlicky lemon mayonnaise or aioli makes it creamy and zesty. It also has 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy, and a 2-tablespoon drizzle of red wine vinegar.
Hosting a summer event or need a tasty side dish? The BLT Pasta Salad is a hit. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the summer with this delicious BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
FAQ
What makes BLT pasta salad a perfect summer dish?
BLT pasta salad is a cool twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It’s made with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. It’s perfect for summer because it’s refreshing and can be served cold. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead for parties.
What are the essential ingredients for BLT pasta salad?
You’ll need 12 oz bowtie pasta and 8 oz bacon. The dressing is 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ranch, and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Don’t forget 1 pint grape tomatoes, 1/4 red onion, and 2 cups fresh spinach.
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need a big pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, and a skillet for bacon. Also, a mixing bowl, cutting board, and sharp knife for chopping.
How do I prepare the pasta, bacon, and dressing for the salad?
Boil pasta in salted water for 7-8 minutes. Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Mix mayonnaise, ranch, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
What’s the best way to make the perfect creamy dressing for the BLT pasta salad?
Mix 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ranch, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir well for a creamy, tangy dressing.
What are the best pasta shapes to use for this salad?
Use bowtie, rotini, small shells, macaroni, orecchiette, or cavatappi. Cook pasta, drain, and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
How do I prepare the bacon for the BLT pasta salad?
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain and chop or crumble once cool.
How do I prepare the fresh vegetables for the salad?
Slice grape tomatoes in half, dice red onion finely, and chop spinach into bite-sized pieces. Use fresh, ripe veggies for the best taste and texture.
How do I assemble the BLT pasta salad?
Mix cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and dressing in a large bowl. Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to blend flavors.
How long can I store the BLT pasta salad, and what are the best storage tips?
Serve the salad on the same day for the best taste. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it might dry out, so make it fresh for the best results.
