Easy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Make this creamy BLT Pasta Salad in under 30 minutes. It combines crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce with a tangy dressing, making it a perfect make ahead side dish for BBQs and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce. Do not add the lettuce too early, or it will wilt.
- Chill the BLT Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
Notes
- For a mayo-free option, substitute the mayonnaise and buttermilk with 1 cup of your favorite ranch dressing.
- You can prepare the bacon and dressing up to one day ahead. Store them separately and combine everything just before serving.
- If you are making this ahead for a potluck, keep the lettuce separate and stir it in right before you leave or serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 45