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BLT Pasta Salad

ByMelissa Jo Posted on Updated on
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A large bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta salad, featuring chopped lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onion, and crispy bacon pieces, set on a checkered surface in a bright kitchen.

If there’s one pasta salad that disappears fast at cookouts, pool days, summer parties, or backyard dinners, it’s this creamy BLT pasta salad. It’s smoky, tangy, crunchy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy romaine, and rich creamy ranch-style dressing make this taste like something you’d order at a restaurant — but it’s ridiculously easy to throw together at home. If you love this recipe try my Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, or my Easy Cold BLT Dip.

Several strips of bacon sizzling and cooking in a pan, with visible bubbling fat and edges starting to crisp.
A hand holds a glass measuring cup filled with creamy, speckled sauce while another hand stirs it with a spoon over a black-and-white checkered surface.

My dressing makes this the BEST BLT pasta salad. The secret is the perfect balance. Created by adding fresh lemon juice, bacon fat, and the perfect amount of ranch seasoning.

A large bowl filled with chopped red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce, arranged in separate sections.
A close-up of a creamy pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and ground beef being lifted with a fork by a person with pink nail polish.
A woman with brown hair in a loose bun, wearing a white top, smiles while holding a large bowl of colorful pasta salad in a bright kitchen with white cabinets and a vase of pink roses.
A hand holds a serving spoonful of creamy pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon over a large bowl of the same salad in a kitchen setting.
A large bowl of creamy pasta salad with rotini noodles, chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bacon on a kitchen counter. A serving spoon rests in the bowl.

🤔 Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is actually even better after chilling for a few hours. Just wait to add the romaine and bacon until right before serving.

What does the bacon fat do in the dressing?

The warm bacon fat adds smoky, savory flavor that makes the dressing taste extra rich and restaurant-quality.

Can I serve this warm?

This recipe is best served cold or chilled, especially for BBQs and summer meals.

Melissa Jo Tips Before Making This Recipe

  • Don’t overcook the pasta or the salad can become mushy.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water so it cools quickly and stops cooking.
  • Add the romaine at the very end so it stays crisp.
  • The bacon fat should be warm, not hot, when mixing into the dressing.
  • If making ahead, save a little extra dressing to freshen it up before serving.
  • Fry the bacon slow and low, so you render plenty of fat to use in the dressing.
A large bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta salad, featuring chopped lettuce, grape tomatoes, red onion, and crispy bacon pieces, set on a checkered surface in a bright kitchen.

BLT Pasta Salad

If there’s one pasta salad that disappears fast at cookouts, pool days, summer parties, or backyard dinners, it’s this creamy BLT pasta salad. It’s smoky, tangy, crunchy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy romaine, and rich creamy ranch-style dressing make this taste like something you’d order at a restaurant — but it’s ridiculously easy to throw together at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad

  • 16 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound bacon
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes quartered
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese

For the Creamy BLT Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 of a lemon's juice.
  • 1 tbsp of a packet dry ranch seasoning dip mix
  • 1 tbsp warm bacon fat
  • 1 cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 splash white wine vinegar over the pasta

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  • Fry the bacon slow and low so it renders plenty of fat. Once it's crispy remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon grease for the dressing.
  • Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, cracked black pepper.
  • While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the warm bacon fat until fully combined and creamy.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta First

  • Place the pasta into a large bowl, sprinkle and add a splash of white wine vinegar then toss it with about half of the dressing first. This step helps the pasta absorb all that flavor before adding the other ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Mix-Ins

  • Fold in the tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.

Step 6: Add the Crunch Before Serving

  • Right before serving, fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and crispy bacon. Add the remaining dressing and toss everything together until creamy and fresh.
  • Serve cold and enjoy.
Keyword BLT Pasta Salad
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🗒 More Delicious Recipes

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.


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2 Comments

  1. I want to make this for this Memorial Day weekend. What if you don’t have bacon fat? I already have bacon cooked and in my freezer.. Thank you… BTW, your chicken piccata meatballs are the absolute best. I have shared your recipe with friends and neighbors… LOVE

    1. It will still be delicious without the bacon fat! It’s just a little extra oomph of flavor ❤️

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