This BLT Pasta Salad is tasty! Easy to whip up and a sure crowd pleasure. Crunchy bacon and red peppers with tomatoes make this pasta addictively good.
Table of contents
Why Make This Recipe
This is a delicious summer pasta salad recipe. It comes together quick, it's always a family favorite and who doesn't like bacon? This recipe can easily be made vegan if you'd like using vegan mayo or sour cream. This pasta salad pairs great with grilled and bbq food, you will love it.
Ingredients Needed
Pasta. I like to use rotini
Bacon. Turkey bacon or pork, you can also use vegan bacon
Mayo. You can also use sour cream, vegan products will also work
Ranch Seasoning. I like to use a packet of ranch seasoning. I typically by Simply Organic or Primal Palate
Milk of choice. Unflavored if using a nut milk. This is to help thin the sauce and spread easier
Parmesan.
Cherry Tomatoes.
Bell Peppers. Any color will work
Onion. I like to use red onion
Lemon.
Romaine Lettuce. Optional but great for some added crunch
Fresh Parsley for Garnish.
Avocado Slices. Optional for topping
How To Make This BLT Pasta Salad
Step One. First, cook the bacon however you would like. I typically bake mine in the oven on 375º for about 20 minutes but you can also cook in in a skillet, turning often for 8-15 minutes.
Step Two. Next, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool while bacon is finishing. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Add the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, onion, parsley and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold all of this together to coat. Top with remaining bacon, avocado slices if using and serve.
Tips & FAQ's
Yes, use mayo as there is no dairy in it and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese. Also use a dairy free ranch packet. several have dairy so read the ingredients.
Yes, absolutely.
Keep the bacon and lettuce to the side if you are making this ahead of time, it will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days if the lettuce and bacon aren't in it. otherwise both items can get a little soggy.
Other Recipes To Try
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BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz package of bacon *see notes
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayo or sour cream *see notes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 1oz packet of ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium sized bell peppers
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- 2 cup thinly sliced romaine *optional
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- First, cook the bacon however you would like. I typically bake mine in the oven on 375º for about 20 minutes but you can also cook in in a skillet, turning often for 8-15 minutes.
- Next, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool while bacon is finishing. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Add the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, onion, parsley and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold all of this together to coat. Top with remaining bacon, avocado slices if using and serve.
Julie
The instructions state to add lemon juice, but lemon juice and its amount is not listed in the ingredients. Anxious to make this just unsure of the amount of of juice to add. Thank you!
Bailey
Great catch! Sorry about that! 1 tbsp of lemon juice should be added to the dressing. I hope you enjoy this one.