BLT Pasta Salad

If you’re ready to elevate your summer potluck game while keeping it easy and delicious, then BLT Pasta Salad is your new go-to dish! Imagine swirling, al dente pasta intertwined with juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavors that recall those classic BLT sandwiches we all love. Did you know that incorporating pasta into the classic BLT not only gives it a fun twist but also makes it more filling? Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just family for dinner, this dish will undoubtedly make you the star of the table.

What makes this BLT Pasta Salad truly special is its ability to combine simplicity, quick preparation time, and an appeal that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of delightful flavors that your family will clamor for, akin to the beloved macaroni salad, but with an exciting twist. So grab your ingredients, prepare to whet your appetite, and let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire!

What is BLT Pasta Salad?

You might be wondering, “What exactly is BLT Pasta Salad, and why is it given such a catchy name?” Well, this dish is a delightful mashup of the classic BLT sandwich and a pasta salad, marrying the best of both worlds. Think of it as pasta dressed in all the vibrant flavors of the traditional BLT—without the fuss of stacking up ingredients!

But why “BLT”? It’s not just a random assembly of letters. Legend has it that nothing says comfort food like a  lettuce, and tomato sandwich, and I couldn’t agree more! The saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” rings true here—once you serve this dish, you can bet there will be smiles all around. So why not give this BLT Pasta Salad a shot? You’ll have people raving about your cooking skills in no time.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

Delicious Simplicity

This BLT Pasta Salad shines primarily thanks to its uncomplicated yet flavorful profile. It harmoniously combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a savory dressing that you can whip up in no time. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a total crowd-pleaser!

Cost-Effective Convenience

Making this dish at home saves you money and gives you control over quality ingredients. Instead of spending a fortune on pre-made pasta salads from the store, you get a fresh version, leaving you with extra cash for other delicious ventures.

Flavorful Add-Ins and Ingredients

What sets this pasta salad apart are its tasty layers of flavor. Think juicy, ripe tomatoes providing a burst of sweetness, crunchy lettuce giving that satisfying crunch, and a lemony dressing tying it all together. You could even elevate it further by adding some cheese or herbs! If you love this refreshing dish, you may also want to explore other culinary wonders like a classic Caesar salad, which similarly celebrates fresh ingredients!

So why not get started making this delicious BLT Pasta Salad at home? Your taste buds are in for a treat!

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Quick Overview

In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful and satisfying BLT Pasta Salad that’s packed with flavors and textures. This dish stands out because of its juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing all mingling beautifully with al dente pasta.

Key Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad

• 8 ounces of rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for a touch of richness

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set them aside in a large bowl.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
4. Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the chopped lettuce and tomatoes, add the cooked pasta. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
5. Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss, and enjoy your refreshing BLT Pasta Salad!

What to Serve BLT Pasta Salad With

Looking for complementary dishes to enhance your meal? Consider pairing this BLT Pasta Salad with a side of grilled chicken for some protein, or perhaps some crunchy garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing. You could also serve fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing finish!

Top Tips for Perfecting BLT Pasta Salad

• Pasta Choices: While rotini works beautifully, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• Chill for Flavor: Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making every bite even more delightful.
• Ingredient Additions: Don’t hesitate to add extras like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrot ribbons for added crunch and color.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, give it a gentle mix before serving. Note that the pasta may soak up some of the dressing, so feel free to whip up a little extra dressing to amplify the flavors when you serve it again.

So, are you ready to create your own BLT Pasta Salad masterpiece? With its tantalizing flavors and quick prep time, it’s bound to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

BLT Pasta Salad

A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the classic BLT sandwich with pasta, perfect for summer gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta) You can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Provides a burst of sweetness.
• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped Adds a satisfying crunch.
• 1 cup mayonnaise Serves as the base for the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice For brightness in the dressing.
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning as desired.
• optional Crumbled feta cheese For a touch of richness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta, and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set them aside in a large bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Combining and Serving

1. In the large bowl with the chopped lettuce and tomatoes, add the cooked pasta. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
2. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
3. Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss, and enjoy your refreshing BLT Pasta Salad!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up some of the dressing, so feel free to whip up a little extra when serving leftovers.