Pasta Salad Recipe

When summer hits, the sun shines bright, and the air fills with laughter and the scent of barbecues, it’s time for something refreshing like Summer BLT Pasta Salad. Imagine al dente pasta mingling with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing that dances on your taste buds. colorful Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad It’s as if summer itself decided to throw a party in a bowl.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends’ backyard get-together. As soon as they took their first bite, I could see their eyes light up and hear the delighted “Mmm!” escaping their lips. It became an instant hit! This vibrant salad is not only perfect for those lazy summer afternoons but also brings a burst of flavor to picnics or potlucks.

Sharing this pasta salad at gatherings always brings smiles and compliments from family and friends.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use rotini or penne for great texture; they hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds an irresistible crunch; don’t skimp on quality.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy; choose vibrant red ones for visual appeal.
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides crispness; chop it just before serving to keep it fresh.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base that binds everything together; use full-fat for richness.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens up the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
• Mustard: A touch of Dijon elevates the flavor profile; just a smidge will do.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors; adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Crisp the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning based on your preference for tanginess.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon bits, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Pour dressing over salad and gently mix until well-coated.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping everything crisp.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment! This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering or family dinner. hearty Grilled Corn Avocado Pasta Salad delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make the Summer BLT Pasta Salad efficiently, cook the pasta al dente first, chop vegetables while it cools, and fry the bacon until crispy. This sequence saves time and ensures every ingredient shines. For more inspiration, check out this Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this salad! Swap out the bacon for smoked turkey or add avocado for creaminess. You can also experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Serve chilled or at room temperature; avoid reheating as it may affect texture.

Sharing this recipe with friends at our last barbecue was a hit! They couldn’t stop raving about how vibrant and delicious it was, making me feel like a culinary rockstar. For more inspiration, check out this Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs recipe.

FAQ

Can I make Summer BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance; just store it properly.

What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Any short pasta like fusilli or penne works wonderfully in this refreshing salad. refreshing Zesty Orzo Pasta Salad.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and replace it with roasted chickpeas for added protein.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Summer BLT Pasta Salad

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• Author: Samuel Cullingham
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Dive into summer with this vibrant Summer BLT Pasta Salad! Featuring al dente pasta, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing, this dish is the perfect blend of flavors. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues, it can be prepared in just 30 minutes and is sure to impress your friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 6 strips crispy bacon
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (6-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop.
3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon bits, halved tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling/Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 25mg