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freshly made blt pasta salad in a white pasta bowl.
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5 from 4 votes

BLT Pasta Salad

Indulge in my BLT Pasta Salad - a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. This salad is an enticing mix of al dente pasta, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy Ranch dressing and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. It's a surefire hit that's perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or any summer gathering. You'll love how the flavors come together in every satisfying bite!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blt pasta salad, pasta salad recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 650kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fusili pasta or any other small shaped pasta
  • ¾ pound bacon cooked and crumbled
  • cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water.
  • In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce. Toss well.
  • Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and add the Parmesan cheese. Toss well to coat.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Video

Notes

  1. Pasta Choice: You can use any small pasta shape for this recipe. Penne, farfalle, or macaroni would all work well.
  2. Bacon: For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  3. Dressing: If Ranch isn't your thing, feel free to substitute with your favorite dressing. A Caesar or a vinaigrette would also work nicely.
  4. Add-Ins: This salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add in extras like cubed avocado, boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or crumbled blue cheese.
  5. Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, but for the best texture, add the lettuce just before serving.
  6. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Again, if you're planning to store it, it's best to add the lettuce when you're ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4345IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg