BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining all your favorite flavors in a creamy pasta dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. Its unique blend of turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich dressing makes it an irresistible option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Flavorful: The combination of turkey bacon and creamy dressing brings bold flavors to every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side dish or a main course, it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks and gatherings, this pasta salad will impress your friends and family.
- Healthy Twist: Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps it lighter without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing BLT Pasta Salad simple. Here are some essential items you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without mess.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the dressing separately before adding it to the salad.
- Whisk: Ensures that the dressing ingredients are well blended for optimal flavor.
Ingredients
BLT Pasta Salad – Turn the classic BLT sandwich in a pasta salad with a creamy dressing. Great for lunch, dinner, parties, potlucks, or just about anytime.
For the Pasta Salad
- 1 pound short cut pasta (cooked according to the package directions and cooled)
- 1 16 oz package Turkey Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (roughly chopped)
- 10 ounces grape tomatoes (chopped)
For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl combine mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, chives, salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl mix together cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, romaine lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
Step 3: Add Dressing
Pour the mayo mixture over top; mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Best served cold. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your refreshing BLT Pasta Salad!
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just having a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Meal
- A satisfying option for lunch or dinner, serving BLT Pasta Salad on its own allows its flavors to shine.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pairing the pasta salad with grilled chicken adds protein and complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
At Potlucks and Parties
- This salad is a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to transport and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Accompanied by Breadsticks
- Serve alongside warm breadsticks for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
On a Bed of Greens
- Presenting the pasta salad on top of fresh greens adds an extra layer of freshness to each bite.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Adding a side of seasonal fruit provides a sweet balance to the savory flavors of the pasta salad.
How to Perfect BLT Pasta Salad
Creating the perfect BLT Pasta Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:
- Choose quality bacon – Use high-quality turkey bacon for better flavor and texture.
- Let it chill – Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Add fresh herbs – Incorporating fresh basil or parsley can brighten up the dish.
- Use different pasta shapes – Experimenting with various types of short pasta can change the look and feel of your salad.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed.
- Customize ingredients – Feel free to add extras like avocado or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad pairs well with numerous side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal:
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice that adds warmth and crunch, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad offers a tangy contrast that complements the creamy pasta salad beautifully.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw balances well with the softness of the pasta.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
- Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies served with dip make for a light, healthy option alongside the heavier pasta salad.
- Potato Chips – Crunchy chips add texture; choose flavored varieties for an interesting twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a BLT Pasta Salad can be easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong pasta: Make sure to choose short-cut pasta like rotini or penne. Long pasta types may not mix well with the other ingredients.
- Overcooking the bacon: Cook the Turkey Bacon until crispy but avoid burning it. This will ensure it adds the right texture without becoming too tough.
- Not chilling the salad: Serving your salad immediately after mixing can affect its flavor. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste and texture.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings. Adding more salt or pepper can elevate your BLT Pasta Salad.
- Ignoring ingredient freshness: Fresh vegetables make a huge difference in this dish. Use ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce for better flavor and crunch.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
- Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing.
Freezing BLT Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its creamy dressing.
- If necessary, freeze only the pasta without dressing.
- Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating BLT Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in BLT Pasta Salad?
BLT Pasta Salad includes short-cut pasta, Turkey Bacon, romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, and a creamy dressing made from mayo and Greek yogurt.
Can I customize my BLT Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other ingredients like avocado, cheese, or different vegetables according to your preference.
How do I make BLT Pasta Salad healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole grain pasta and reducing the amount of mayonnaise or replacing it with Greek yogurt.
What is the best way to serve BLT Pasta Salad?
This salad is best served cold as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It’s also delicious as a light lunch!
Final Thoughts
The BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich that everyone loves. Its creamy dressing combined with fresh ingredients makes it perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for an added personal touch!
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing twist on the traditional BLT sandwich, seamlessly blending flavors into a creamy pasta dish. This crowd-pleasing salad, featuring turkey bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, and grape tomatoes, is perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to festive gatherings. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or side dish. The use of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream provides a healthier option without compromising taste. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick meal, this versatile salad is an irresistible choice that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 17 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound short cut pasta (cooked and cooled)
- 16 oz turkey bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (roughly chopped)
- 10 oz grape tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, chives, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, romaine lettuce, and chopped tomatoes.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; toss until everything is coated evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use high-quality turkey bacon for better flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or avocados.
