🥗 BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad brings the classic sandwich flavors to a cool, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish — loaded with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy lunch!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) rotini, penne, or fusilli pasta
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce (or iceberg)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.
- Prepare components: Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble. Halve tomatoes. Dice onion. Shred lettuce and cheese.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and cheese.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold: Toss again before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a main course!
Tip: For extra freshness, add avocado just before serving. Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise for a lighter option!
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