Why This BLT Pasta Salad is a Must-Try

This BLT Pasta Salad takes the classic flavors of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and transforms them into a refreshing, one-bowl pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal, it’s easy to prepare, colorful, and satisfying. The farfalle pasta acts as a neutral canvas, soaking up the creamy dressing while letting the crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory turkey bacon shine. It’s a dish that balances textures and flavors in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids.

Ingredients That Make This Salad Delicious

• Farfalle pasta: Its bowtie shape traps the creamy dressing and salad ingredients perfectly.
• Romaine lettuce: Adds crisp freshness and balances the richness of the dressing.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, providing natural acidity to brighten the dish.
• Turkey bacon: Leaner than traditional bacon but still offers smoky, savory flavor.
• Creamy dressing: A mix of Ranch, mayonnaise, and sour cream binds everything together and adds that classic BLT flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar and black pepper: Provide a subtle tang and spice that elevate the salad’s taste.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy once chilled. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
• Prep vegetables ahead: Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in advance for quick assembly.
• Mix dressing separately: Ensures a smooth, even coating without clumping.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Substitutions: Feel free to use regular bacon, chicken, or even plant-based bacon alternatives for variation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked farfalle pasta
• 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ¼ cup Ranch dressing
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped turkey bacon, and red onion.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together Ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground black pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad refreshing for summer meals.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled, portioning generously onto plates. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped tomatoes, bacon crumbles, or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

Q1: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, regular bacon works and adds extra smokiness, but turkey bacon keeps it lighter and lower in fat.

Q2: Can this salad be made ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving for convenience.

Q3: Can I substitute the farfalle pasta?

Yes, rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work well as they hold the dressing and ingredients.

Q4: Can I make it vegan?

Use plant-based bacon and a vegan mayo/Ranch dressing substitute to make it fully vegan.

Q5: How can I make it extra creamy?

Add an extra 2 tablespoons of sour cream or mayonnaise to the dressing to enhance creaminess.