Description
A refreshing and satisfying BLT pasta salad combining crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or your favorite pasta
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Thin with water if needed.
- Add cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine, diced red onion, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon to the pasta bowl.
- Pour dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente provides the best texture.
- Cool pasta completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier crunch.
- Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent texture.
- Prepare the salad ahead to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, frying, mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, creamy pasta salad