BLT Pasta Salad

There's nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad on a hot day, and trust me, this BLT Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It combines all the goodness of a classic BLT sandwich with the comfort of pasta, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or just a laid-back lunch. Plus, you can whip it up quickly and it's even better when chilled, so it's a win-win!

What really makes this recipe shine is how adaptable it is. You can toss in extra ingredients if you want to get a little wild or just stick to the basics for that classic flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce with a creamy dressing is something everyone will love.

You’ll find yourself making this time and again because it’s just that good.

Now, let's dive into why you'll love this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This BLT Pasta Salad is not just easy to make, it’s also a serious flavor bomb. The crispy bacon bits give it that savory crunch, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness that just ties everything together. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite, and trust me, these disappear faster than a cold beer in July!

Another thing I love about this salad is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your liking by adding in things like jalapenos for a spicy kick or using different types of pasta. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and you can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

For this delicious BLT Pasta Salad, you’ll need some elbow noodles, which are my go-to because they soak up the dressing beautifully. You’ll also want real bacon bits or freshly cooked bacon for that crispy texture. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese because it adds that nice tangy flavor that really pops.

Don’t forget the fresh veggies! You’ll need diced tomatoes and a small white onion to add that perfect crunch. The magic happens when you mix in ranch powder and mayo for that creamy dressing.

If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some diced jalapenos for an extra kick. Trust me, it takes this salad to another level!

How To Make It

Making this BLT Pasta Salad is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll enjoy every step. We start by preparing our ingredients, so everything is ready to go. This is where the magic happens; it’s all about balancing flavors and textures.

Preparation

First, cook your elbow noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and let them cool completely. I usually rinse them under cold water to speed up the cooling process.

While that’s happening, gather your other ingredients: chop the tomatoes, crumble the bacon, and dice the onion. You want everything to be bite-sized for easy eating.

Once everything is prepped, it’s time to mix it all together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, mayo, and ranch powder. You can adjust the mayo based on how creamy you like your pasta salad.

Then toss in the tomatoes, bacon, cheese, and onion. Gently mix until everything is well-coated and combined.

Cooking

Now that we’ve got our salad mixed, it’s time for the most important step: chilling! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together.

When it's time to serve, you’ll want to top it with some shredded lettuce and croutons for that extra crunch.

This is where most recipes go wrong: They add the lettuce too early, causing it to wilt. By keeping the lettuce separate until serving, you maintain that fresh, crisp texture that everyone loves.

Serving & Variations

When it comes to serving, you can either dish it out right from the bowl or make individual servings with the lettuce and croutons on top. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a meal prep option for busy weekdays.

A common consensus among home cooks is: the addition of jalapenos really elevates this dish, giving it a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors. If you want to switch it up further, consider adding diced avocados for a creamy texture or even some black beans for extra protein. You can also swap out the elbow noodles for a whole grain or gluten-free option if that's your jam.

Wrapping Up

This BLT Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Plus, the versatility means you can make it your own every time.

Recipe created by Blue Collar Chef for Trust Me Try It.

BLT Pasta Salad

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Noodles (cooked, cooled and drained)
• 1-2 Cups of Mayo
• 1 Pk Real Bacon Bits (or 6 pcs cooked and crumbled bacon)
• 4 oz. Chopped Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 Cup Diced Roma or Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 small Diced White Onion
• 3 Tablespoons Ranch powder
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• optional: 2-3 Tablespoons of diced or candied Jalapenos

Instructions

• Take your cold pasta noodles, and add in mayo
• You can use a little more or less, depending on the consistency of how you like your pasta
• Add in your diced tomatoes, bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and white onion
• Gently mix to combine
• Cover and place in the fridge for 2 hours
• Top with shredded lettuce and croutons in you like
• I like to keep the shredded lettuce and croutons separate, and only add it when I am fixing to serve the pasta
• This helps if you are sending this for lunch to someone, so the lettuce stays crispy and yummy