BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

If you love the classic combo of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, then wait until you try this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It takes all the nostalgic goodness of a BLT sandwich and transforms it into a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. Each bite combines crispy bacon, crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, fresh lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes all coated in a subtly spiced, creamy dressing—making it an irresistible summer staple you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is all about simple ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the bowl. From the crunchy rustic bread crumbs to the fresh greens and smoky bacon, every element plays a delicious part in creating a balanced, colorful salad everyone will crave.

• 1 lb. medium-size pasta: The perfect base that holds the dressing and mixes well with other textures.
• ½ loaf rustic bread: Ideal for homemade toasted bread crumbs adding a golden crunch.
• 2 tbsp butter: Melted to coat the breadcrumbs for that irresistible toasty flavor.
• 12 slices bacon: Cut into ¼” slices and cooked crisp for smoky, savory bites.
• 2½ cups iceberg lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad.
• 2½ cups green leaf lettuce leaves: Brings tender, flavorful greenery to balance textures.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Washed and halved, these add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrancy.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the flavorful dressing.
• ¼ tsp chili powder: Delivers a subtle kick that awakens the palate.
• ¼ tsp sweet paprika: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
• 2 tsp granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and spice.
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked to season and bring everything together.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the iceberg and green leaf lettuces into bite-sized pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes. The fresh veggies provide vibrant color and a refreshing crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich bacon and creamy dressing.

Step 2: Make the Toasted Bread Crumbs

Tear the rustic bread into chunks and pulse it in a food processor until you have medium-sized crumbs. Toss these with melted butter to coat evenly—this step is key because it ensures your breadcrumbs come out perfectly golden and flavorful when toasted.

Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs

Spread the buttered breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. This adds a satisfying texture that elevates the salad to the next level.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Be sure to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a handy trick to adjust the salad’s consistency later without watering down the flavors.

Step 5: Crisp the Bacon

Slice the bacon crosswise into ¼-inch pieces and cook until it’s nice and crispy. You want that smoky crunch to shine through while blending seamlessly into the salad.

Step 6: Whisk the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise with chili powder, sweet paprika, granulated sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they’re smooth and well blended—this dressing delivers the classic BLT flavors with a creamy, slightly spiced twist.

Step 7: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the drained pasta, half of the toasted breadcrumbs, half of the crisp bacon, the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, and the dressing. Mix gently but thoroughly, then refrigerate in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 8: Freshen Before Serving

Give the salad a light toss to freshen it up. If the dressing feels a bit thick, stir in the reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach your preferred consistency—just creamy enough to coat each bite.

Step 9: Add Final Crunch and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs and bacon on top for garnish and that extra crunch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, grab a fork, and enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a little flair, top the salad with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley—this adds a burst of green freshness and complements the smoky, creamy flavors. A few extra cherry tomato halves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can turn this dish into a true crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe pairs fantastically with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal, or alongside classic BBQ fare if you’re firing up the grill. Crisp vegetable sticks or a light soup can round out the meal without overpowering the vibrant flavors of the salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a large glass bowl to show off the beautiful layers of colorful ingredients. Alternatively, arrange it in individual mason jars or small bowls for picnics and potlucks—this makes for an impressive presentation and easy serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, but the sooner you enjoy it, the crisper the lettuce and breadcrumbs will remain. If you notice the salad has thickened, a quick toss with a splash of reserved pasta water brings it back to life.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the lettuce and tomatoes lose their texture. To prep ahead, you can freeze cooked pasta and cooked bacon separately, then assemble and dress the salad closer to serving time.

Reheating

Since this pasta salad shines best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. However, if you want to warm the pasta component, do so gently and reassemble with fresh greens and dressing after cooling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While medium-size pasta works best to hold the dressing and mix with ingredients, you can experiment with shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne—just be sure they’re cooked al dente.

Is it necessary to make homemade bread crumbs?

Making your own toasted breadcrumbs from rustic bread adds a fresh, buttery crunch that store-bought versions can’t match. You can skip this step in a pinch, but the salad won’t have quite the same texture or warmth.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked tempeh or crispy seasoned nuts for that smoky, crunchy element without the meat.

How spicy is the dressing in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?

The chili powder adds just a subtle warmth balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and paprika, so it’s very mild and accessible for most palates. You can adjust the chili quantity to make it spicier if you like.

What can I do to prevent the salad from getting soggy?

To keep your BLT Pasta Salad Recipe fresh and crisp, toss the salad with dressing just before serving or store components separately and combine close to mealtime. Also, don’t overdress—the reserved pasta water helps adjust moisture without soaking the salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh take on the much-loved BLT, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-try. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and loaded with familiar flavors that come together in such a fun way. Whip it up for your next gathering or weeknight dinner—you’ll be amazed how quickly it disappears!

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