What ingredients do you need for a BLT Pasta Salad?

A classic BLT Pasta Salad requires cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne), crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and a creamy dressing — typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Optional add-ins include shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

How do you keep BLT Pasta Salad from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy BLT Pasta Salad, add the lettuce and bacon just before serving rather than mixing them in ahead of time. Store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before eating. Also, make sure your cooked pasta is fully cooled and well-drained before combining it with the other ingredients.

Can you make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time with a few precautions. Prepare the pasta, bacon, and dressing separately and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Combine everything — including the lettuce — just before serving to keep the salad fresh, crisp, and free from excess moisture.

What pasta is best for BLT Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes work best for BLT Pasta Salad. Rotini, penne, farfalle (bow ties), and cavatappi are popular choices because their ridges and curves hold onto the creamy dressing well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it is harder to toss and serve in a salad format.

How long does BLT Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

BLT Pasta Salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. However, for the best texture, keep the lettuce and bacon stored separately and add them fresh each time you serve. The dressed pasta and tomatoes alone can hold up well for the full 3 days.

What dressing goes on a BLT Pasta Salad?

The most popular dressing for BLT Pasta Salad is a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, often blended with sour cream or Greek yogurt, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness. Ranch dressing is also a widely used alternative that complements the bacon and tomato flavors beautifully.

BLT Pasta Salad Is the Ultimate Summer Side Dish You Need 2026

BLT Pasta Salad

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This BLT Pasta Salad turns the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich into a cold, creamy, crowd-pleasing side dish that works for any summer gathering. With smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a tangy dressing, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 12min
Total Time: 27min
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
1 pound thick-cut bacon
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While the pasta cooks, place the bacon in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Save two tablespoons of the bacon drippings for the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and the reserved bacon drippings. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Fold in the chives or green onions. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

If making ahead, keep the lettuce and dressing separate until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon. The bacon drippings add a smoky depth to the dressing, so do not skip them.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 385
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 14
Cholesterol: 35

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/blt-pasta-salad-3/