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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is that perfect summertime pasta salad for potlucks and barbecues. The pasta combined with juicy tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon is like having a classic BLT Sandwich served as a salad.

If you love Creamy Macaroni Salad the BLT Chopped Salad, then this BLT Pasta Salad is sure to become a new favorite side dish.

Pasta Salad in a large bowl.

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The Best BLT Pasta Salad

A BLT Pasta Salad is essentially cooked pasta combined with crispy bacon pieces and tomatoes in a creamy homemade dressing. This has the best salad dressing which really makes this salad.

This is the perfect pasta salad for a large party, family gathering, or even a summer picnic. It’s so easy to throw together and is such a crowd-pleaser. It can also be enjoyed as a quick dinner or lunch as it’s so filling.

All the ingredients needed for homemade blt pasta salad laid out.

Ingredients

The ingredients for the pasta salad are so simple and inexpensive, and you most likely already have them on hand in your pantry and refrigerator.

  • Bacon – Any bacon will work in this recipe. We like to use our Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon for perfectly cooked bacon.
  • Lettuce – We used romaine but iceberg lettuce will work just fine.
  • Pasta – Any short pasta will work. You can use bowtie, rotini, elbow, penne, ziti, etc.
  • Tomato – Any tomato on hand will work, just cut it into small bite-size pieces.
  • Onion – You can use either red onion or sweet onion.
  • Dressing – The dressing consists of Ranch, sour cream, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Salad ingredients in a blue bowl unmixed.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

  1. Cook Pasta – Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
  2. Cook bacon – Cook the bacon using your favorite method of cooking.
  3. Cut lettuce – Rinse, chop and dry the lettuce.
  4. Make the dressing – In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
  5. Combine – Add salad ingredients to a bowl and toss to combine. Pour the dressing just before serving and gently toss to combine.

Pro Tip: To make sure the salad is not watery or soggy, after rinsing and chopping your lettuce, use a salad spinner to remove any excess water. This will also help keep your greens crisp longer.

Variations

There are so many different ingredients you can add to the classic salad recipe. Here are some of our favorite add-ins for BLT Pasta Salad:

  • Diced avocado
  • Cheddar cheese, grated or diced
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Diced cucumbers
BLT pasta salad topped with ground black pepper.

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought dressing?

If you don’t want to use our homemade dressing, you can use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing. You can also try the dressing from our Classic BLT Salad.

Do I have to rinse my pasta with cold water?

Yes, rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking process of the pasta and keeps the pasta from sticking together and becoming mushy.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta for this recipe.

How long will the salad last once mixed?

This salad is best when enjoyed fresh as the lettuce will start to get soggy. Store any leftover salad in the refrigerator.

A white bowl with blt pasta salad topped with ground black pepper.

Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerating – This pasta salad can totally be made up to one day in advance! Keep the salad ingredients in one bowl and the dressing in a separate container or mason jar. Cover both and refrigerate.
  • To Serve – Once you have added the salad dressing, serve right away so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.

More Salad Recipes

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

4.99 from 70 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
BLT Pasta Salad in serving bowl

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is that perfect summertime pasta salad for potlucks and barbecues! The pasta combined with juicy tomatoes, lettuce and bacon is like having a classic BLT sandwich served as a salad.

Author: Valentina Ablaev
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blt pasta salad, pasta blt salad
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $12-$14
Calories: 484
Servings: 6 as a side salad

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 oz uncooked rotini pasta, about 2 cups
  • 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, rinsed, chopped and spun-dry
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz bacon, baked or air-fried and chopped
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
  • tsp ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water, set aside to cool.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing and whisk until creamy.
  3. In a large salad bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped romaine, halved tomatoes, cooked bacon, and chopped red onion and toss.
  4. Just before serving, add the dressing to taste and gently toss until combined.

Nutrition Facts
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 484 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 14g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Cholesterol 51mg17%
Sodium 957mg42%
Potassium 466mg13%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 2974IU59%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 47mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Kerri
    March 22, 2023

    Hi Natasha
    Sorry to ask but how much of each ingredient when making the dressing? This looks banging and I can’t wait to make it 😍

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 22, 2023

      Hi Kerri! I have the ingredient list and instructions for the dressing in the recipe card. Click on “jump to recipe” at the top of the page. 🙂
      I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Jeri
    March 20, 2023

    How about combining the dressing with the pasta salad ahead and refrigerate? When it’s time to serve toss in the lettuce or serve over the lettuce.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 21, 2023

      Hi Jeri, I address that in the Make Ahead section of the recipe post. I hope this helps!

      Reply

  • Jeananne
    March 11, 2023

    This was a big hit for my family. I love all your recipes and am looking forward to your new cook book! Your recipes are the only ones I seem to follow now.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2023

      I can’t wait for you to get my cookbook, Jeananne!

      Reply

  • Wanda Cowan
    January 19, 2023

    I can not wait to try this! Could tell me how much is the measurement for one serving?

    Thank You!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 19, 2023

      Hi Wanda! This recipe serves 6 as a side salad. I don’t have the exact measurement. If you have a food scale, you can weigh the salad and divide it by 6. I hope you love the salad!

      Reply

  • Molly R
    December 3, 2022

    This may be a great “summertime” salad, but we paired it with grilled chicken and your roasted cauliflower last night – December 2nd with freezing temps and snow on the ground. And we all LOVED it! It was a nice, light meal after a day playing in the snow. We will definitely keep it in the mix – any time of the year!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 3, 2022

      Hi Molly! Thank you for trying my recipe. I’m so glad you found another to add to your rotation. 🙂

      Reply

  • neuroticmom
    September 4, 2022

    Been making this salad for years we love it and leftovers taste great. The only change we make is we use BBQ sauce instead of Ranch, gives it a nice tangy flavor.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 4, 2022

      Thanks for the great feedback and review!

      Reply

  • Angela
    August 20, 2022

    The recipe say ranch dressing. You talking about store bought, ranch packets or making homemade ranch use 1/4 cup?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 20, 2022

      Hi Angela, this recipe uses ranch dressing from a bottle.

      Reply

  • Barbara Jo
    August 17, 2022

    I’m trying this tonight. I’m adding an avocado. I know it will be great like all of your recipes!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 17, 2022

      I hope you love it!!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Sonyacooks
    July 30, 2022

    I love your recipes and this one is no exception. Full of flavor!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 30, 2022

      Thank you for your great feedback! I’m so glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • Michele Leo
    July 14, 2022

    Hi Natasha….I have told you before but am glad to repeat..you are my go to gal for recipes. Made this tonight for dinner…hubby loved it as I did. I will make some changes for our taste buds. I used a lot of lettuce, I will cut back and add more pasta….The dressing was delish, but will cut back on the garlic. It is a keeper regardless. Thx!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2022

      I’m so happy this is a keeper, Michele! Thank you for your great review!

      Reply

  • Carl Sandhop
    July 10, 2022

    Made this for a 4th of July BBQ. Forgot the onion. But otherwise it was a HUGE success. Will definitely be makCing this again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 11, 2022

      Hi Carl! I’m so glad it was a hit for the BBQ. Thank you for the wonderful review.

      Reply

  • Helene
    June 23, 2022

    Hi Natasha..I made this BLT pasta salad recipe tonight and it was delicious! I think using fresh lemon juice made it taste so light and summery. I wouldn’t leave out or subsitute it. Loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 24, 2022

      Good to know that you followed the recipe as suggested, thank you for doing that! Good to hear that you loved the result!

      Reply

  • Judy Chybik
    June 20, 2022

    Made this yummy salad today hubby loved it and so did I.This is definitely going in my recipe box, thank you Natasha😘

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 20, 2022

      You’re very welcome! So glad it was enjoyed.

      Reply

  • Darlene
    June 18, 2022

    Do you use pre-made ranch dressing or just the packet of ranch

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 18, 2022

      Hi Darlene, for this recipe we used pre-made bottled ranch. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Kathy Lowry
    June 16, 2022

    I made this tonight and it’s so good. I didn’t add the lettuce simply because I have a picky eater. I put some romaine on my plate and then topped it with the pasta. I also knew I’d have it leftover. So, now I’ll do the same tomorrow and it will be even better after the flavors blend. Thank you for another wonderful recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 16, 2022

      Sounds great and yes, I bet it will be so much better the next day.

      Reply

  • Pamela
    June 16, 2022

    Made this yesterday. Easy prep. I only put together half the ingredients so now I have more for tonight’s dinner. It is delicious.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2022

      So glad to hear that! Thank you for the review, Pamela.

      Reply

  • Susan Velder
    June 16, 2022

    I use fresh spinach instead of lettuce. I tear it into pieces and it looks great.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 16, 2022

      Great idea! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Farah
    June 16, 2022

    Can I use Cesar dressing?? Substitute bacon with chicken breast🤔?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2022

      I think that would work great!

      Reply

  • Celeste Almeida
    June 16, 2022

    Hello, how long can you keep the sauce? I’m Portuguese and I love your recipes.Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 16, 2022

      Hi Celeste! I’m happy to hear you enjoy my recipes. I usually make this dressing fresh when I need it for the salad but I assume it would keep well in the refrigerator up to a week, maybe more.

      Reply

      • Diane M.
        July 28, 2022

        Thanks for a great recipe! It was a little too much dressing for our taste so we just added a bit more lettuce. Also added some diced cucumber simply because I had some in the fridge that needed used up!

        Reply

  • Agnes
    June 14, 2022

    Can’t wait to make this! What can beat a BLT salad? The dressing sounds really yummy too, with the combo of mayo, sour cream AND ranch!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      The best combination! I hope you love it, Agnes!

      Reply

  • Anna
    June 14, 2022

    This pasta salad is exactly what we needed on this hot day. Easy to whip up and so delicious! It’s in our weekly rotation now!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Anna!

      Reply

  • Carolyn Graff
    June 14, 2022

    Oils you use a mustard vinegrette for the dressing instead of a mayo dressing?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      I haven’t tried using mustard instead, I’ve only tried the dressing stated in the recipe so far.

      Reply

  • Jessica
    June 14, 2022

    I couldn’t WAIT to make this when I saw it so I went to the store and got what I needed and made it last night. It was SO good. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jessica!

      Reply

  • Lauretta
    June 14, 2022

    I can’t seem to find how many servings this makes so that I can determine how much you can eat based on calories listed? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      The serving size can be found at the beginning of the print-friendly recipe card (located at the bottom of the recipe post). The nutrition label shows counts “per serving.” Hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Judith A Colella
    June 14, 2022

    This looks fantastic! I’ve been making BLT salads for years, but never thought to add pasta, and the rotini is probably the best choice. What a great recipe. I’m definitely making this for the weekend (I live in Florida, so refreshing salads are a major go-to for Saturday lunches)! Thanks Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 14, 2022

      You’re welcome! I hope it becomes a hit and let us know how it goes if you try this recipe soon.

      Reply

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