If you’re looking for that one dish to win over any summer gathering, look no further than this Summer BLT Pasta Salad. Imagine everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich — crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce — tossed with perfectly al dente rotini and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a celebration of color, crunch, and flavor, all in one easy-to-share bowl. Whether you’re heading to a family picnic, a neighborhood potluck, or just want to jazz up your weekday lunch, this recipe promises pure sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You truly don’t need a long list to make something spectacular — just high-quality, everyday ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and color. Each element in this Summer BLT Pasta Salad harmonizes beautifully for that iconic, craveable bite.
- Rotini pasta: The spiral shape traps all that creamy dressing and bacon goodness in every forkful.
- Thick-cut bacon: Crisp, meaty crumbles add smoky flavor and a fantastic crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring the summery burst of color and flavor that define any BLT.
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Choose your favorite for crisp freshness and a lovely green pop.
- Red onion: Thin slices lend a subtle sharpness that punches up the salad without overpowering it.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo makes a rich base for the dressing, binding everything together.
- Red wine vinegar: Brightens and balances the creamy dressing with a tangy kick.
- Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful adds depth and a gentle zip, livening up every bite.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with savory warmth — just enough, not too much.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning perfectly — taste as you go!
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your rotini pasta according to the package directions. You want it perfectly al dente, so keep a close eye — nobody wants mushy noodles in their Summer BLT Pasta Salad! Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and helps keep the noodles separated and springy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, plus plenty of salt and pepper. You should end up with a smooth, well-emulsified dressing with a tang that’ll wake up those summer flavors. Taste now and adjust for your personal zing levels!
Step 3: Toss the Pasta with Dressing
Add your cooled rotini straight into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until each and every spiral is glossy and evenly coated — this is how you make sure every bite is loaded with flavor from the inside out.
Step 4: Fold in the BLT Ingredients
Next comes the fun part! Gently fold in your crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped lettuce. Try not to overmix so the veggies and bacon keep their shape and crunch. The salad should look colorful, fresh, and so inviting.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For the best Summer BLT Pasta Salad experience, pop the finished salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all those flavors meld into irresistible harmony, and the result is perfectly cool and refreshing for a hot day.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon on top is always a crowd-pleaser, and you could add a handful of chopped green onions or a scattering of shredded cheddar for a bold finish. Freshly ground black pepper just before serving gives an aromatic boost.
Side Dishes
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a meal in itself but pairs nicely with grilled chicken skewers, corn on the cob, or a platter of fresh fruit. For a heartier spread, consider setting out some crusty bread or buttery rolls to complete the picnic vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, serve this salad in individual mason jars for the cutest portable portions. At home, try layering the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl or glass serving dish — the colors look so inviting! Tiny avocado cubes or extra tomato halves around the rim add a special touch for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Summer BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within two days for maximum crispness. The lettuce may soften a bit over time, but the flavors just keep getting better.
Freezing
Because of the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the veggies and sauce will change once thawed, so it’s better to enjoy this as a fresh dish right from the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating needed! In fact, this salad shines when served cold or at room temperature straight from the fridge. If you like, you can let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching the dressing, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle all work well. Just choose a shape with plenty of crevices to hold onto that creamy, bacon-laced dressing.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
If you’re making this Summer BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time, keep the lettuce separate and fold it in just before serving. That way, it stays wonderfully crisp even if the salad chills overnight.
What are the best add-ins for more flavor?
Diced avocado brings creamy richness, and cubes of cheddar cheese add a great sharp bite! For a little kick, some chopped pickled jalapeños work wonders. Let your taste buds guide you.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Definitely! For a lighter Summer BLT Pasta Salad, swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still have a creamy texture but with less fat and a little extra tang.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use your favorite gluten-free pasta to enjoy all the BLT flavors without the gluten. Double-check your bacon and dressing ingredients too, just to be sure!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way this Summer BLT Pasta Salad captures the very essence of sunny days and shared meals. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and let it become your go-to for every summertime occasion!
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Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic BLT sandwich, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light summer meal. With the combination of bacon, cherry tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
Salad:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooled pasta to the dressing, toss to coat. Gently fold in bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy cold.
Notes
- Add avocado or cheddar for extra richness.
- Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Best served fresh on the day it’s made.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
