This BLT pasta salad is so yummy! Perfect for a summer barbecue or gathering. Delicious and easy to make.
BLT pasta salad is one of the easiest and tastiest cold pasta salads. This salad has crunchy chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and a creamy homemade dressing to go on top. This salad can be made in under 30 minutes and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
We love this salad! It only lasted a day in our house, we have a little neighbor friend over playing with the kids and they ate it up quickly.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce tossed with curly pasta and a creamy garlic-ranch dressing. It’s the perfect cold salad for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick make-ahead meal. The noodles hold onto the dressing beautifully, and the garlic salt adds a subtle savory depth. It comes together fast, chills well, and always gets compliments. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Fusilli Corti Bucati: The Perfect Pasta for Cold Salads
Fusilli corti bucati is a short, twisted pasta with a hollow center that makes it ideal for cold pasta salads like this one. Its spiral shape and ridged texture are perfect for catching creamy dressings, bits of bacon, and juicy tomato pieces in every bite. Unlike smoother pastas that can let the sauce slide off, fusilli corti bucati holds onto flavor, ensuring a well-balanced forkful every time. It also has a satisfying bite that holds up well after chilling, making it a great choice for make-ahead salads that won’t get soggy or mushy in the fridge.
I found this delicious pasta at Trader Joes and it worked great for this salad. I love how it holds onto the creamy dressing. Might be my new favorite pasta!
BLT Pasta Salad FAQ
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. For best results, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You may want to wait to add the lettuce until just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: We love using fusilli corti bucati for its ability to hold onto dressing and mix-ins, but you can use any short, sturdy pasta like cavatappi, rotini, penne, or bowtie.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon?
A: Absolutely! Turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives work great in this recipe. Just make sure they’re cooked crisp so they hold up well in the salad.
Q: How long does BLT pasta salad last in the fridge?
A: It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, give it a stir before serving and add fresh lettuce if needed.
Q: What dressing works best?
A: A creamy Ranch-style dressing is classic, but you can also use a blend of sour cream and mayo. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or seasonings.
Q: Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?
A: Yes! Shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or even Parmesan make tasty additions that add more depth and richness to the salad.
Q: Is this pasta salad served warm or cold?
A: It’s best served cold or at room temperature after chilling. It makes a refreshing and satisfying side on a warm day.
Q: Can I make it a full meal?
A: Definitely. Add diced grilled chicken, avocado, or even hard-boiled eggs to turn this side dish into a hearty, satisfying main course.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes:
Best BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad is so yummy! Perfect for a summer barbecue or gathering. Delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fusilli corti bucati pasta (or another short, curled pasta)
- 12 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli corti bucati until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool. - Crisp the bacon.
While the pasta is cooking, chop the bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Make the dressing.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, chopped romaine, and bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. - Chill and serve.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. Give it a gentle stir before serving cold.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
- Want more protein? Stir in diced grilled chicken or chopped boiled eggs.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based sour cream and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Add cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar works well if you want extra richness.
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