Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that works for both casual backyard BBQs and easy weeknight dinners? We’ve all been there – trying to come up with something that’s both filling and fresh, especially when the summer heat makes traditional pasta dishes feel too heavy. That’s exactly why this BLT pasta salad has become my go-to solution. It takes everything we love about the classic sandwich – crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce – and turns it into a satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta salad is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare this salad in advance and keep it in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or summer picnics.
- Classic flavor combination – It takes everything you love about a BLT sandwich and turns it into a satisfying pasta salad that’s always a crowd favorite.
- Simple ingredients – With just 7 basic ingredients you probably already have (except maybe the bacon), this recipe keeps shopping and prep super simple.
- Perfect for sharing – This big-batch recipe is ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings – and everyone always asks for the recipe!
What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?
Regular sliced bacon from the grocery store works perfectly for this pasta salad, but you’ve got options. Center-cut bacon tends to be a bit leaner and will give you nice, meaty pieces that hold up well in the salad. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, go for thin-sliced bacon – it’ll crumble more easily and distribute throughout the salad better. For the best results, look for bacon that has a good meat-to-fat ratio and avoid thick-cut bacon, which can be too chewy in a cold pasta salad. Just remember to cook your bacon until it’s nice and crisp since it’ll soften slightly once it’s mixed with the dressing.
Options for Substitutions
This easy pasta salad is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:
- Shell pasta: Any medium-sized pasta shape works great here – try rotini, bow ties, or penne. Just cook according to package directions for the same tender texture.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon can work as a lighter option, though it won’t be quite as crispy. You could also use pre-cooked bacon bits in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about 1/2 cup.
- Ranch dressing: Greek yogurt-based Ranch works great for a healthier swap. You can also mix regular mayo with Ranch seasoning, or use Caesar dressing for a different but tasty twist.
- Romaine heart: Any crunchy lettuce works here – try iceberg, green leaf, or even baby spinach. Just make sure to add the greens right before serving to keep them crisp.
- Fresh tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes (halved) are a good substitute, or you can use drained canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t in season.
- Onion: Red onion adds nice color, or try green onions for a milder flavor. If you’re not big on raw onion, you can leave it out entirely.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making BLT pasta salad is overcooking the pasta – always cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the dressing, and nobody wants mushy shells in their salad. Adding the lettuce too early can leave you with wilted, soggy greens, so be sure to fold in the romaine just before serving to maintain its crisp texture. Another common error is using hot ingredients – make sure both your cooked pasta and crispy bacon are completely cooled before combining them with other ingredients, otherwise the heat can make your dressing separate and turn your tomatoes mushy. For the best flavor development, try making this salad at least 2 hours before serving (keeping the lettuce separate until the end), which allows the pasta to soak up all those tasty ranch and bacon flavors.
What to Serve With BLT Pasta Salad?
This hearty pasta salad works great as a main dish for summer cookouts or as a tasty side dish alongside your favorite grilled foods. If you’re serving it as a main, try pairing it with some fresh corn on the cob or grilled vegetables to round out the meal. For a lighter option, a fruit salad with watermelon, strawberries, and grapes adds a sweet contrast to the savory pasta salad. Since this dish already has lots of filling ingredients, keep the sides simple – maybe some crispy pickle spears or a basket of garlic bread to share around the table.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This BLT pasta salad is best when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, though the lettuce might lose some of its crunch after day 2. Pro tip: if you’re making it ahead, consider adding the lettuce just before serving to keep it crispy!
Make Ahead: Want to prep this salad in advance? Cook the pasta, crisp the bacon, and chop the tomatoes and onions up to a day ahead. Store these ingredients separately in the fridge, then toss everything together with the dressing and lettuce when you’re ready to serve. This way, everything stays fresh and crisp.
Pack for Lunch: If you’re packing this for lunch, try layering the ingredients in your container with the dressing at the bottom, pasta and vegetables in the middle, and lettuce on top. This keeps everything fresh until you’re ready to toss and enjoy!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2500-2700
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 150-160 g
- Carbohydrates: 230-250 g
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) bag of medium shell pasta
- 1 pound bacon, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1.5 cups light ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 romaine heart, finely sliced (approximately 3 cups)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil.
Add your choice of pasta to the boiling water, cooking it until it is tender, approximately 8 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and prevent further cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, place a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add bacon strips to the skillet and cook them until they are browned and crisp.
Remove the bacon from the pan, allowing the excess oil to drain on paper towels.
Once cooled slightly, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 3/4 of the crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Carefully mix in fresh lettuce leaves, ensuring they’re well integrated with the rest of the salad.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top as a garnish.
Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing pasta salad!