Summer is here, and it’s time for a pasta salad that sings with the flavors of fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and zesty dressing. Picture this: al dente pasta mingling with crisp greens, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and smoky bacon bits, all tossed together in a light, tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. refreshing Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of sunny days and backyard barbecues.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Summer BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for bacon in the salad?
- Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I served this vibrant salad at a family gathering. My cousin thought I had secretly enrolled in culinary school, and my uncle couldn’t stop raving about the flavors. It was an instant hit! Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this dish brings joy and flavor to any occasion. Get ready to impress your guests with a plateful of deliciousness that they’ll be talking about long after the last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp Tacos recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Summer BLT Pasta Salad offers effortless preparation that anyone can master. The fresh ingredients create a burst of flavor in every bite. Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering. Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, it suits everyone’s taste buds. [/info_box]
I made this salad for my best friend’s barbecue last summer, and let me tell you, the compliments were flowing like lemonade on a hot day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rotini Pasta: Choose rotini for its perfect twist to hold onto the dressing and toppings well.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch; nobody likes soggy bacon.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use colorful heirloom varieties for visual appeal and sweetness; they burst with freshness.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine adds a refreshing crunch; feel free to substitute with spinach if preferred.
- Green Onions: These add brightness and mild onion flavor; chop them finely for even distribution.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the dressing that binds all ingredients together; consider using Greek yogurt as a healthier option.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This brings acidity to balance the richness of bacon and mayo; don’t skip it!
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth of flavor; adjust based on how tangy you like it.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element of flavor in the salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let’s dive into crafting this delightful Summer BLT Pasta Salad! Grilled Corn Avocado Pasta Salad. You might also enjoy this Grilled Corn Avocado Pasta Salad recipe.
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt once it’s boiling before tossing in 12 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Crisp the Bacon: While pasta cools, fry 6 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Mingle Those Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint), chopped romaine lettuce (3 cups), sliced green onions (4), and crumbled bacon. Stir gently so everything gets acquainted without damage.
Create the Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This zesty concoction will elevate your salad!
Toss It All Together: Gently fold your cooled pasta into the bowl of veggies along with the dressing mixture. Ensure every piece is coated evenly, this is where magic happens!
Chill Before Serving: Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or serve immediately if you can’t wait! For better flavors, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so everything melds together beautifully.
And there you have it! A delightful Summer BLT Pasta Salad that will have everyone going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds! Enjoy this dish while soaking up some sun or under twinkling stars during those warm summer nights! tangy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a game-changer for picnics. It combines crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy dressing for a refreshing meal. Perfect for hot days, this dish is colorful and satisfying, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta according to package directions. While it cooks, prepare your veggies and bacon. This way, everything comes together beautifully without delays.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Add avocado for creaminess or sprinkle some feta cheese to elevate flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or lightly warm it in the microwave before serving again.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To keep your pasta from sticking, drizzle with olive oil right after draining. Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor. Always taste-test your dressing before mixing it in to get the perfect balance of flavors. [/info_box]
Sometimes I whip up this salad when friends drop by unexpectedly; their smiles as they dig in make all the effort worth it!
FAQ
Can I make Summer BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Cheeseburger Pasta Salad recipe.
Yes, preparing this salad a few hours before serving enhances the flavors.
What can I substitute for bacon in the salad?
Try turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas for a healthier option.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and add more veggies or cheese instead.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Summer BLT Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together the classic flavors of a BLT in a delightful pasta format. With al dente rotini pasta, crispy bacon, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and crisp greens, this salad is dressed in a zesty homemade dressing that will elevate any summer gathering. Perfect for picnics or barbecues, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make dish that promises to be a hit at your next outdoor event.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green onions, and bacon.
- In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Fold cooled pasta into the vegetable mixture and pour dressing over it. Mix gently to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
