BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of two beloved dishes: the classic BLT sandwich and a creamy pasta salad. Packed with crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy ranch dressing, this dish is a delightful twist on the traditional pasta salad. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, BBQ, or potluck, this flavorful salad will be the star of the table. With a creamy base made from sour cream and ranch seasoning, and the irresistible crunch of bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. It comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, and you can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together for a more enhanced taste. The smoky BBQ sauce adds a special touch that balances the richness of the bacon and the tanginess of the ranch dressing, giving the pasta salad a unique flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Any Occasion

This BLT Pasta Salad is versatile and perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and even as a side dish to complement your weeknight meals.

2. Flavor Packed

The smoky, crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables come together in perfect harmony, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

3. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this salad can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy days.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

The salad can be made ahead of time, which means you can prepare it earlier in the day or the night before your event, saving you time when you’re ready to serve.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking—whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the pasta, or play with the dressing. It’s totally up to you!

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• Milk (any kind)
• Sour cream
• Ranch seasoning mix

For the Salad:

• Thick-cut bacon (high quality)
• Farfalle pasta
• Olive oil
• Romaine lettuce (washed, chopped, dried)
• Cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• Red onions (finely diced)
• BBQ sauce

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the bacon and use smoked tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian substitute for that smoky flavor.
• Add More Veggies: You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or sweet corn for added color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: To make the salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
• Swap Pasta Shapes: While farfalle works wonderfully, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or shells.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner dressing. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, and diced red onions.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy ranch dressing.

Step 6: Drizzle with BBQ Sauce

Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the top of the salad and give it a final toss to incorporate the smoky flavor. If you like, you can add more BBQ sauce on top for an extra kick.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy! If making ahead, refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crisp Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. You can also bake the bacon on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer not to use the stovetop.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add more sour cream or milk to get the consistency just right.
• Serve Chilled: For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.

How to Serve

This BLT Pasta Salad is great on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like BBQ chicken or burgers, for a more substantial meal. It’s also perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. The creamy, bacon-filled goodness will have everyone coming back for more!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While pasta salads generally don’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing, you can freeze the bacon separately and add it back in after thawing. However, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to reheat any leftovers, do so gently by removing the bacon and reheating the pasta and veggies, but the creamy dressing is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap farfalle for any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work well in this salad.

2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a lighter version of this salad. However, it won’t have the same level of crunch and flavor as traditional bacon.

3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or other veggies of your choice to increase the freshness and texture.

5. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the farfalle pasta for gluten-free pasta.

6. Can I use a different type of dressing?

If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can try other dressings like Caesar, blue cheese, or a simple vinaigrette.

7. Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just be sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

8. Can I add more BBQ sauce?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste. You can also drizzle more on top right before serving for extra flavor.

9. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy, rinse it with cold water after cooking, and be sure to toss it with olive oil to keep it from sticking.

10. Can I leave out the red onion?

Yes, if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the red onion or substitute it with green onions for a less pungent flavor.

Conclusion

BLT Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory, all wrapped up in a delicious pasta dish. With crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or packing it for lunch, it’s sure to be a hit. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Enjoy!

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