Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this BLT pasta salad! It’s like a summer picnic in a bowl, bursting with flavor and happiness. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both super easy to whip up and absolutely delicious, this is it. The combination of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy bacon all tossed together with creamy dressing is just perfection. I love how it can be thrown together in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces of cooked pasta
- 4 strips of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously satisfying salad that you’ll crave again and again! I like to keep my pasta on the al dente side so it holds up well in the mix. And don’t skimp on the bacon—it’s what makes this dish sing! Feel free to experiment with the veggies; maybe sneak in some cucumbers or bell peppers if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!
How to Prepare BLT Pasta Salad
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this incredible BLT pasta salad! Trust me, it’s a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through each step to ensure you nail it. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, boil a big pot of salted water. You want that water to really taste like the ocean! Once it’s boiling, add in your 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step is crucial because we want to cool it down quickly—nobody likes a soggy salad!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooled pasta, 4 strips of crumbled bacon, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce. Just imagine the colors and textures coming together—it’s a feast for the eyes! Make sure everything is evenly distributed; you want every bite to be loaded with goodness.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk until it’s creamy and smooth. This dressing is the magic that brings everything together, so don’t rush it! You can adjust the lemon juice based on how zesty you want it.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Now it’s time to pour that luscious dressing over your pasta mixture. Toss everything together gently—this is where the fun really begins! Once it’s all combined, cover the salad and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also makes it refreshing and perfect for those warm days. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
- Feel free to switch up the pasta shape! Fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta can add a fun twist.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for more flavor and crunch!
- For a little kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—serving it cold really enhances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing!
- Make it a complete meal by adding some grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re craving more protein.
Nutritional Information for BLT Pasta Salad
Now, let’s talk numbers! This BLT pasta salad serves about 4, and each serving is estimated to have around 350 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But isn’t it nice to know you can indulge in something so tasty while keeping it relatively balanced? Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About BLT Pasta Salad
I get a lot of questions about this BLT pasta salad, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it a day in advance, just keep it covered in the fridge.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a little stir before serving again.
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! You can swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or even leave it out for a vegetarian version. Add in whatever veggies you love!
What can I serve with this salad?
This pasta salad goes great alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even as a light lunch on its own. It’s super versatile!
Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes! Just make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Fresh flavors that remind you of summer with every bite.
- Great for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering—everyone will love it!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and pasta shapes.
- Hearty enough to be a meal on its own or a fantastic side dish.
This BLT pasta salad is the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more—trust me, it’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
Serving Suggestions
This BLT pasta salad is so versatile—it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled meats like juicy chicken or tender steak for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic side to burgers or hot dogs at summer barbecues. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try it with a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies. Honestly, it’s a great addition to any meal, and it just makes everything feel a bit more festive and fun. Enjoy the flavors together, and you’ll see what I mean!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious BLT pasta salad is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so good, you might not have any left! If you do find yourself with some, just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors. As for reheating, I recommend enjoying it cold—it’s meant to be a refreshing dish! If you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it; we don’t want to lose that lovely creamy texture. Enjoy every last bite!
Imprimer
BLT Pasta Salad: 5 Steps to Blissful Flavor
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make BLT pasta salad.
Ingrédients
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables.
- Best served chilled.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 14g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: blt pasta salad
