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Crispy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

crispy creamy BLT pasta salad recipe - featured image
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A quick and easy summer side dish combining crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and fresh veggies tossed with tender pasta. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and warm afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped Romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside, keeping it slightly warm.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon flat and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, save bacon fat to sauté green onions.
  3. Rinse and chop 2 cups Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and slice 3 green onions thinly. Optionally toss green onions in warm bacon fat for extra flavor.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the warm pasta with the dressing to absorb flavors. Add chopped bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. If using, sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and gently fold in. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Toss pasta with dressing while warm for better flavor absorption. Use crispy bacon for best texture. Adjust dressing seasoning to taste. If pasta seems dry after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or extra mayo. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, substitute bacon and dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-step-summer-side-dish/