BLT Pasta Salad with Savory Steak and Shrimp for a Hearty Meal Twist

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

• Ease of preparation: This BLT pasta salad is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Cooking the pasta and bacon takes around 20 minutes combined, after which you simply toss the ingredients together with a creamy dressing. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks when you need something delicious without a long cook time.
• Health benefits: Packed with fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, and complemented by protein-rich bacon and cheddar cheese, this pasta salad provides a balanced mix of nutrients. It offers vitamins A and C, fiber, and protein, supporting overall wellness while satisfying savory cravings.
• Versatility: The recipe can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. Use turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for a lean or vegan version, swap rotini pasta for gluten-free options if needed, and omit avocado or lettuce for longer storage without sacrificing flavor.
• Distinctive flavor: Combining smoky, crispy bacon with creamy cheddar, fresh romaine or spinach, and a tangy homemade ranch dressing with optional bacon grease creates a uniquely savory and refreshing profile that stands out among pasta salads, making it a crowd favorite.

Essential Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad

• 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta – serves as a hearty, firm base that holds the dressing well
• 10 slices cooked bacon, crumbled – adds smoky, savory crunch and umami flavor
• ½ cup mayonnaise – provides a creamy, rich dressing foundation
• ¾ cup ranch dressing – adds tanginess and herbaceous depth
• 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes or 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved – contribute juicy sweetness and color
• ½ avocado, diced (optional) – offers creaminess and healthy fats
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – delivers sharp, creamy contrast
• ⅓ cup diced red onion, soaked in cold water to mellow sharpness – brings subtle bite
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or 2 cups fresh packed spinach – adds crisp freshness
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and herbal brightness

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Substitute bacon with tempeh or plant-based bacon alternatives and use vegan mayonnaise and ranch dressings.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta varieties and verify that all dressings and add-ins are gluten-free certified.
• Low-calorie: Replace mayonnaise with light Greek yogurt or avocado-based dressings, and opt for turkey bacon or reduce bacon quantity.

How to Prepare the Perfect BLT Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.

Second Step: Prepare the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, crisp 10 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease if desired for the dressing. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Third Step: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Dice 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes or halve 1 pint of grape tomatoes. Dice ½ avocado if using. Soak ⅓ cup diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain. Chop 1 cup of romaine lettuce or pack 2 cups fresh spinach leaves.

Fourth Step: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup ranch dressing, and the reserved 1 tablespoon bacon grease if using. This creates a rich and flavorful dressing that complements the salad ingredients perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fifth Step: Combine the Salad

Add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, avocado, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and lettuce or spinach into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising delicate components.

Final Step: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to serve refreshingly cool. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. This BLT pasta salad is great served as a main dish or a side at gatherings.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your BLT Pasta Salad

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon strips for lower fat or vegan options.
• Instead of pasta, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for gluten-free dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a heartier version.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Swap romaine lettuce for kale, spinach, or arugula to change texture and nutrient profile.
• Use different dressings such as homemade ranch, vinaigrette, or avocado-based creamy dressings to accommodate calorie-conscious or dairy-free diets.
• Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or celery for extra crunch and flavor variation.
• Include herbs like basil, parsley, or chives to enhance the salad’s aromatic complexity.

Mastering BLT Pasta Salad: Advanced Tips and Variations

• Pro cooking techniques: Crisp bacon on low heat to render fat slowly for maximum crunch and flavor. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness.
• Flavor variations: Add roasted corn, diced avocado, or substitute cheddar with feta or goat cheese for twist flavors.
• Presentation tips: Serve in deep glass bowls to showcase vibrant colors; garnish with freshly chopped herbs or extra crispy bacon bits.
• Make-ahead options: Prepare components separately and toss just before serving to maintain freshness. The salad keeps well up to three days refrigerated but add lettuce just before serving to avoid wilting.

How to Store BLT Pasta Salad: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store the BLT pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess of ingredients like lettuce and bacon.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as it compromises the texture of fresh vegetables and crispy bacon.

Reheating

If desired, gently warm the pasta and bacon separately before combining with fresh vegetables and dressing to preserve optimal texture and flavor.

Meal Prep Considerations

For meal prep, chop and store salad components separately, mix with dressing only when ready to eat to retain crunch and maximize flavor.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About BLT Pasta Salad

blt pasta salad

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

🥓 BLT Pasta Salad transforms the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich into a refreshing, flavorful pasta dish perfect for summer meals.
🍅 This salad balances crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying and hearty twist on a beloved favorite.

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Ingredients

– 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta

– 10 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

– ½ cup mayonnaise

– ¾ cup ranch dressing

– 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes or 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

– ½ avocado, diced

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– ⅓ cup diced red onion

– 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or 2 cups fresh packed spinach

– Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1-First Step: Cook and Cool the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta thoroughly. Set aside.

2-Second Step: Prepare the BaconWhile the pasta cooks, crisp 10 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease if desired for the dressing. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

3-Third Step: Chop Fresh IngredientsDice 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes or halve 1 pint of grape tomatoes. Dice ½ avocado if using. Soak ⅓ cup diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain. Chop 1 cup of romaine lettuce or pack 2 cups fresh spinach leaves.

4-Fourth Step: Make the DressingIn a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup ranch dressing, and the reserved 1 tablespoon bacon grease if using. This creates a rich and flavorful dressing that complements the salad ingredients perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5-Fifth Step: Combine the SaladAdd the cooled pasta, tomatoes, avocado, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and lettuce or spinach into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising delicate components.

6-Final Step: Chill and ServeCover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to serve refreshingly cool. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. This BLT pasta salad is great served as a main dish or a side at gatherings.

Notes

🍝 Use rotini or bowtie pasta for the best dressing adherence; alternatives like small shells or cavatappi work well.
🧅 Soak diced red onions in iced water to mellow their sharpness before mixing.
🥑 Omit avocado and lettuce if preparing the salad ahead of time to avoid sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling, Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 587 mg
• Fat: 31.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg

Keywords: BLT Pasta Salad, Steak, Shrimp, Hearty Meal