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BLT Pasta Salad is loaded with all your favorite bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich flavors in a cold pasta salad with a creamy smoky bacon dressing.
That smoky bacon dressing is so irresistibly delicious, I found myself going back for “just one more taste” all afternoon.
BLT Pasta Salad
Creamy pasta salad with a hint of smoke from the bacon, combined with crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, this pasta salad is an enormous hit.
When I tell you that this BLT Pasta Salad is crazy good, just trust me and make it as soon as possible. This pasta salad was an enormous hit with my whole family – even the non-pasta lovers!
What brings to mind spring picnics and summer potlucks like a tasty pasta salad?
Whether you’re a fan of creamy pasta salads, vinegar-based (mayo-free) pasta salads, meat lovers pasta salads, simple tomato and pasta, or vegetarian and vegan pasta salads, there’s something here for everyone!
BLT Pasta
You just can’t go wrong with the classic flavors of a BLT. What’s not to love about bacon, lettuce, and tomato in pretty much any combination?
This pasta salad is coated with a smoky bacon dressing that is so irresistibly delicious, I very happily ate this BLT Pasta for lunch and dinner two days in a row.
I made a BLT Corn Salad a few weeks ago and it reminded me just how much I love those flavors together.
I’ve already made two more BLT-inspired recipes and I’m super excited to share them all with you!
Cooking tip: As written, this recipe will serve 5-6 people. However, you might want to double it if you would like to have anything leftover. It really is that good!
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cook the bacon. While the bacon is cooking, start cooking the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain under cold water until the pasta is cool.
- While the pasta is boiling, slice the tomatoes and chop the lettuce. When the bacon is out of the oven, or off the stove, set it aside to drain on paper towels.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. Toss well to thoroughly coat the pasta. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ditalini pasta (or the very small pasta of your choice)
- ½ pound thick-cut bacon (5-6 slices), cooked with grease reserved
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, thinly sliced and chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons warm liquid bacon grease
- 1 tablespoon plain white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. While the bacon is cooking, start cooking the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain under cold water until the pasta is cool.
- While the pasta is boiling, slice the tomatoes and chop the lettuce. When the bacon is out of the oven, or off the stove, set it aside to drain on paper towels.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. Toss well to thoroughly coat the pasta.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What makes the BLT salad “smoky”?
The bacon grease added to the dressing adds that smoky bacon flavor, Darlene.
Looks terrific I am going to prepare this for our family outing in June what do you think about changing the dressing with blu cheese? just a thought I may experiment with a small amount I am a big fan of blue cheese. Love the creativity here.
Thanks, Love the recipe
Chef Ernie
Sure thing, Ernie. It would be great that way too.
Can I make this a day before we use
it
Yes, it will keep nicely, Dede.
Would Ranch dressing instead of mayonnaise work?
You bet, Joyce. That will work nicely.
Does the lettuce get soggy from being dressed? I want to make this and then take it in my lunch all week.
I wait to dress it as I’m ready to eat it. Enjoy!
Awesome salad and a wonderful change from other pasta salad.I’ll be making this a lot. So refreshing!
Made this today exactly as written. My husband and I both had 2 bowls. This will be in heavy rotation. It is so simple and full of flavor! Thank you for this recipe!
I’m so glad you like it as much as we do, Lorri!
Made this today exactly as written. My husband and I both had 2 bowls. This will be in heavy rotation. It is so simple and full of flavor! Thank you for this recipe!
has anyone added feta cheese?
You sure could, Jacqueline.
So yummy used different noodles should’ve added a little more bacon and noodles but dressing is amazing
I’m glad you like it, Lauren!
Discovered this recipe while waiting on new tires to be put on. Bought the ingredients after and serving tonight. I know it’ll be delicious!
I hope that you love it as much as we do!
I add the lettuce right before serving. Otherwise it becomes a soggy unappetizing dish. Hate to see people pick it out as they eat.
I typically do the same or serve immediately, Terry. Glad to see you were able to make it work!