Bright, bold, and ready to steal the spotlight at your next get-together, this Summer BLT Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish for warm weather feasts! Imagine the classic flavors of a beloved BLT sandwich—crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Bursting with color and flavor, this salad is as easy to make as it is delightful to devour, and it’s guaranteed to gather rave reviews wherever you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long list here—just a handful of essentials that each bring a little magic of their own. The ingredients for this Summer BLT Pasta Salad are all about simple pleasures in every bite: fresh, creamy, crispy, and vibrant.
- Rotini or Bowtie Pasta (12 ounces): These fun-shaped pastas offer lots of nooks and crannies for the dressing to cling to, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, they add pops of color and flavor reminiscent of peak summertime.
- Cooked Bacon (8 slices, chopped): Salty, smoky, and crunchy, bacon brings the BLT spirit and takes this salad to the next level.
- Chopped Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce (2 cups): For crisp freshness—add it right before serving to maintain that iconic crunch.
- Diced Red Onion (1/2 cup): A little sharp bite for balance and a splash of vibrant color.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy foundation of the dressing, rich but light enough to coat without weighing down the salad.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Adds tangy creaminess—swap for Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter touch.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A zingy splash that brightens the flavor of the entire salad.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a little for depth and gentle heat in the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into beautiful harmony.
- Optional Chopped Chives or Parsley (for garnish): For a burst of fresh green and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of generously salted water to a boil, then toss in your rotini or bowties. Cook them until al dente—tender with just a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain and give them a good rinse under cold water to halt the cooking and cool them down. Let the pasta drain thoroughly so the dressing clings beautifully later.
Step 2: Prep the Bacon and Veggies
While the pasta cooks, sizzle up your bacon until it’s irresistible and crispy, then chop it into bite-sized bits. Halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, dice up your red onion, and get your lettuce ready (but remember, hold off adding the lettuce until just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy).
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. This creamy concoction brings tang, richness, and that just-right zip that makes Summer BLT Pasta Salad crave-worthy.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cooked bacon, diced onion, and lettuce to a large mixing bowl. Pour that dreamy dressing over everything, then toss gently so every bit gets a luscious coating. If you’re making it in advance, save the lettuce and fold it in just before serving for ultimate crunch.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving—this lets the flavors mingle and develop even more. Just before you’re ready to dig in, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Bring your Summer BLT Pasta Salad to life with garnishes that add a little flair and flavor! A scattering of freshly chopped chives or parsley not only looks gorgeous but boosts the salad with a hit of herbal brightness. For even more color and crunch, extra halved cherry tomatoes or a dusting of cracked black pepper make beautiful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This salad absolutely shines beside anything grilled—think juicy burgers, barbecued chicken, or a platter of sizzling sausages. Add some crusty bread or simple corn on the cob and you’ve built the ultimate backyard feast. And honestly, when the salad’s this hearty, it works just as well as a main for a lighter summer lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Summer BLT Pasta Salad into a party showstopper by serving it in a giant lettuce-lined bowl or packing it into personal mason jars for picnics. You can even dish it up in small cups for easy, portable appetizers at your next block party or barbecue. The more colorful and playful your presentation, the more excited everyone will be to dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (no guarantees!), store your Summer BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days—the flavors get even better after a little time together, though the lettuce may lose some crunch after the first day. For best results, keep the lettuce separate and mix in just before enjoying another round.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing can separate and the fresh vegetables and greens will lose their signature texture. This dish truly shines when it’s fresh or refrigerated for just a short time, making it perfect for making a day ahead.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Summer BLT Pasta Salad is best served cold, straight from the fridge. If the salad’s been sitting awhile and seems a bit dry, simply stir in a dollop of mayo or a splash of vinegar to revive its creamy, fresh appeal before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Summer BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything up to a day in advance, but for the best texture, wait to mix in the lettuce until just before serving so it stays crisp.
What’s the best kind of pasta to use?
Rotini and bowtie pastas are favorites for this salad because their shapes hold onto the creamy dressing and all those delicious bits, but any short pasta with some texture will work.
Can I substitute the bacon?
Definitely! If you’d like a vegetarian version, try smoky tempeh bacon or coconut bacon for a plant-based twist that keeps all the savory goodness in your Summer BLT Pasta Salad.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
To avoid soggy lettuce, store it separately and fold it in right before serving. If you’re packing the salad for a picnic, bring the lettuce in a baggie and toss together on-site.
Is it possible to lighten up the dressing?
Yes! Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and opt for light mayonnaise to cut a few calories while keeping the dressing creamy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Summer BLT Pasta Salad is pure picnic joy in a bowl, and you’ll love how easy it is to throw together for family, friends, or simply treat yourself to something fresh and fabulous. Try it at your next cookout or lunch and see—it’s about to become your new go-to summer staple!
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Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in this refreshing Summer BLT Pasta Salad. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light meal, this pasta salad is packed with cherry tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 slices cooked bacon (chopped)
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
- Mix ingredients: Combine pasta, tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and onion in a bowl.
- Prepare dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour dressing over pasta mixture and mix well.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Add chives or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, add lettuce just before serving.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Great for picnics and BBQs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
