Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
A refreshing creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and homemade ranch dressing, perfect for summer meals and casual gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 skillet for cooking bacon
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 8 slices bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon slices until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels and chop when cooled.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, dried chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning.
- Prepare vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes, chopping romaine lettuce, and slicing green onions thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors. Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Start with most dressing and add more if needed to avoid overdressing.
- Add chopped celery or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Cook bacon in oven for easy, even crispness.
- Rinse pasta to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Make dressing while pasta cooks and prep veggies while bacon cools for efficiency.
- Vegetarian option: swap bacon for smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas and use vegan mayo and yogurt.