Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
If you love the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Summer BLT Pasta Salad! This dish brings all the goodness of your favorite BLT sandwich and transforms it into a hearty, refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. Creamy dressing, crisp veggies, savory bacon, and tender pasta all mingle together in a salad that absolutely tastes like summer in a bowl. Whether you want to impress friends at a barbecue or keep lunch interesting, the Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Summer BLT Pasta Salad is its simplicity—each ingredient offers something special, from crunch to creaminess, smokiness to tang. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters for flavor, texture, and irresistible color.
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or bowtie): Perfect for catching every drop of dressing and giving the salad a fun, playful shape.
- Thick-cut bacon (8 slices, cooked & crumbled): The smoky, salty, and crunchy heart of this salad—be generous!
- Cherry tomatoes (1½ cups, halved): Juicy and slightly sweet, they add pops of color and freshness to every bite.
- Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (2 cups): A crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy base and a nod to the classic BLT.
- Avocado (1, diced, optional): Lush and creamy, it takes the salad from delicious to downright dreamy—add right before serving.
- Red onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a bit of zing and beautiful purple streaks for color and flavor.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup): The rich, luxurious base for the signature creamy dressing.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens up the dressing with a subtle tang.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances out the richness with a gentle acidity.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a hint, for depth, brightness, and a little kick.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a mellow, savory undertone you’ll crave with every forkful.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for making all the flavors sing—don’t be shy!
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta (rotini or bowtie are both fantastic) according to the package directions until just al dente. This is key—the pasta needs to be firm enough to hold up to the creamy dressing. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool things down fast. This not only keeps the noodles from getting mushy, but also ensures your Summer BLT Pasta Salad stays crisp and fresh.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and velvety—the kind of dressing that clings luxuriously to every screw or bow of pasta. This luscious, tangy mixture is what sets the Summer BLT Pasta Salad apart from your run-of-the-mill pasta salads.
Step 3: Combine the Good Stuff
Transfer your cooled pasta to a big mixing bowl. Add in the crispy, crumbled bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, crunchy red onion, and creamy avocado (if using). Each ingredient is vital: the bacon adds smoky flavor, tomatoes burst with summer brightness, lettuce brings that BLT crunch, and the avocado is like a creamy bonus round. If you’re prepping ahead, hold off on the lettuce and avocado until serving for the freshest results.
Step 4: Dress and Toss Gently
Pour the creamy dressing over your pasta and toppings. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated. Take care not to break up the avocado or squish those juicy tomatoes—it’s all about light, loving mixing so every bite has a bit of everything.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover your bowl and chill the Summer BLT Pasta Salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This not only allows the flavors to meld but also helps the salad firm up for easy serving. If you’re pressed for time, you can serve it straight away, but chilling always brings out the best in this dish!
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, or a handful of fresh chopped chives makes your Summer BLT Pasta Salad look as magnificent as it tastes. For a touch of color, a few halved cherry tomatoes on top make this salad absolutely irresistible. If you like a little tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon adds a lovely finish.
Side Dishes
This salad is a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with all your summer favorites—think grilled corn, watermelon wedges, or a simple fruit salad. Bring it to a barbecue to serve alongside burgers, or offer it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier plate. The creamy, smoky flavors also make a wonderful balance for any spicy side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a picnic or potluck, try serving the Summer BLT Pasta Salad in individual mason jars for a portable, customized option. Or, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh take on lettuce cups. If you want to get fancy at a brunch, serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes or as part of a colorful platter with extra toppings on the side—everyone can build their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of Summer BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It holds up reasonably well thanks to the sturdy pasta and creamy dressing, but for the very best crunch and color, add the lettuce and avocado just before serving rather than in advance.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The lettuce, tomato, and avocado all suffer in texture when frozen and thawed, and the dressing can separate. For optimal freshness and flavor, make just what you’ll eat within a couple of days—or share any extra with a friend or neighbor!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Summer BLT Pasta Salad; it’s designed to be enjoyed cold! If you’d like to take the chill off straight from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Give it a gentle toss and, if needed, add a drizzle of extra dressing to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely—any short pasta shape will work for Summer BLT Pasta Salad, such as penne, shells, or fusilli. The key is to choose something that grabs the dressing well, so each bite is flavorful!
What can I substitute for bacon for a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian twist, try veggie bacon or smoked tempeh, or add roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein. The essence of the BLT salad will still shine, just without the meat!
How far in advance can I make Summer BLT Pasta Salad?
You can make most of the salad (pasta, dressing, and cooked bacon) a day ahead and store it in the fridge. For the best results, stir in the lettuce and avocado just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular rotini or bowties. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for those with sensitivities.
What can I do if my dressing is too thick?
If the creamy dressing is a little too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help it coat the pasta and veggies beautifully without being too heavy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a dish that manages to be satisfying, refreshing, and downright fun to eat—all at once! Summer BLT Pasta Salad checks every box, whether you’re looking to impress at your next cookout or just shake up your weekday lunch routine. Give this recipe a try and I’m willing to bet it’ll become a new family favorite!
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Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. With crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a tangy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 avocado (diced, optional)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water, drain, and cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and avocado. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, add lettuce and avocado just before serving.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein or swap in turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop, No-Cook Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
