BLT Pasta Salad takes everything you love about a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and turns it into an easy cold pasta salad that’s perfect for summer. With crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a creamy ranch dressing, this is one of those simple pasta salads that disappears fast at every BBQ and potluck.
BLT Pasta Salad
What I love most is that this recipe comes together so quickly once your pasta and bacon are done. Toss everything in a bowl, mix up the two-ingredient dressing, and you’re ready to go. It’s the kind of recipe that works for a busy weeknight side or a big family cookout without any stress.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Tri color rotini pasta
- Bacon
- Cherry tomatoes
- Romaine lettuce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Mayonnaise
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Large spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Let the pasta drain well before adding it to the salad.
Step 2. Combine the pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir to mix.
Step 3. In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise.
Step 4. Add the dressing to the salad bowl and toss to coat.
Step 5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations
- Add avocado: Diced avocado stirred in right before serving adds a creamy element that’s so good with the bacon and ranch.
- Use a different pasta: Bow ties, penne, or regular rotini all work if you don’t have tri color on hand. The tri color just makes the presentation extra fun.
- Swap the ranch for caesar: Caesar dressing gives this a totally different flavor that still pairs perfectly with the bacon and lettuce.
- Add hard boiled eggs: Chopped hard boiled eggs make this even more filling and lean into that classic BLT club sandwich vibe.
- Toss in some corn: A can of drained corn adds a little sweetness and makes this feel even more like a summer pasta salad.
- Try it with spinach: Swap the romaine for baby spinach if you want something that holds up a little better when making it ahead.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The lettuce will soften as it sits, so this one is best served the same day if you can. If you’re making it ahead, hold off on adding the lettuce until right before serving to keep that crunch.
Tips & Tricks
- Add the lettuce last. If you’re not serving it right away, wait to add the romaine until just before you’re ready to eat. It stays crisp instead of getting wilted.
- Cook the bacon extra crispy. It softens a little once it’s mixed into the salad, so starting with really crispy bacon gives you the best texture.
- Quarter the cherry tomatoes. Smaller pieces distribute better throughout the pasta so every bite gets a little tomato.
- Use tri color rotini for the best look. The different colored spirals make this rotini pasta salad look really pretty without any extra effort. Plus the spirals hold onto the dressing.
- Make the dressing separately if prepping ahead. Keep it in a small container and toss it with the salad right before serving so nothing gets soggy.
- Pat the lettuce dry after washing. Extra water on the lettuce will thin out the dressing, so dry it well before chopping and adding it in.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time? You can prep everything ahead, but I’d recommend keeping the lettuce and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. The pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese can all be combined and refrigerated. Then just add the lettuce, toss with dressing, and serve.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing on its own without the mayo? You can, but the mayo mixed with ranch makes a thicker, creamier dressing that really coats the pasta well. Straight ranch tends to be thinner and can pool at the bottom of the bowl.
What kind of bacon works best? Regular thick-cut bacon works great. You can also use turkey bacon if you prefer. Pre-cooked bacon from a package is a good shortcut if you’re in a hurry.
Can I use a different type of lettuce? Romaine is the classic BLT choice and it holds up the best, but iceberg lettuce works too. I’d avoid softer lettuces like butter lettuce since they wilt quickly once dressed.
Why tri color rotini instead of regular? The tri color rotini gives it a fun, colorful look that makes it stand out at a potluck. Regular rotini tastes exactly the same though, so use whatever you have.
Can I add other vegetables? Diced red onion, sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or even chopped cucumber all go well with the BLT flavors and ranch dressing.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tri color rotini pasta cooked and cooled
- 10 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Let the pasta drain well before adding it to the salad.
- Combine the pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir to mix.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise.
- Add the dressing to the salad bowl and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
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