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Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Mayo Dressing

easy blt pasta salad - featured image

A quick and satisfying pasta salad combining classic BLT flavors with a creamy mayo dressing, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste until creamy and smooth.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add more mayo or a splash of milk if the salad feels dry.
  6. Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top if desired. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad fresh. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt and drain excess grease. Dressing can be customized with lemon juice or vinegar to reduce mayo heaviness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy mayo dressing, quick pasta salad, bacon lettuce tomato salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe