![- 8 ounces rotini pasta - 6 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh romaine lettuce, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup creamy mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making BLT pasta salad, the right ingredients matter. Start with rotini pasta for its fun shape. Turkey bacon adds a smoky crunch. Cherry tomatoes give a burst of sweetness, while romaine lettuce adds freshness. Red onion brings a bit of bite. For the dressing, creamy mayonnaise serves as a rich base. Apple cider vinegar adds tang, and Dijon mustard gives it a nice kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Top the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. For a full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook rotini for 8-10 minutes, until al dente. - Drain and cool pasta under cold running water. Cooking the pasta is the first step. The boiling water should be salty, as it adds flavor. I like to check the pasta at 8 minutes. It should be firm but not hard. After draining, rinse it quickly. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down. - Mix pasta with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. - Gently toss to distribute evenly. Next, take a big bowl. Add the cooled pasta. Then, mix in the crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and diced onion. Use your hands to toss gently. You want everything to mix well without breaking the pasta. - Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This will create a smooth mixture. Taste it first. Add salt and pepper to make it just right for you. - Drizzle dressing over pasta mixture. - Toss gently and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Finally, pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss again, but be gentle. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend nicely together. For the full recipe, check the complete list of steps. To make a great BLT pasta salad, start with cooled pasta. If the pasta is warm, it will wilt the lettuce. You want each bite to be fresh and crisp. When it comes to the dressing, feel free to adjust the ingredients. If you like a creamier taste, add more mayonnaise. For a tangy kick, increase the vinegar. Taste as you mix to find your favorite balance. Serve your salad in a clear bowl. This allows the colors to shine through. The red tomatoes and green lettuce look stunning together. To make it even better, add extra cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top. This adds a pop of color and makes your dish look fancy. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_4}} You can easily change a few ingredients in this recipe. For a healthier option, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon. Turkey bacon has less fat but still gives you that great taste. If you prefer a different texture, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options work well and make this dish fit your diet. Want to make your BLT pasta salad even better? You can add creamy avocado or cheese. Both will make the salad richer and more filling. If you like veggies, toss in some bell peppers or cucumbers. They add crunch and freshness. These small changes can make your pasta salad unique and tasty! Store your BLT pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. For the best flavor, eat it within 3-4 days. After that, the ingredients may lose their crispness. I recommend enjoying this salad cold. Reheating is not needed and could change the texture. The flavors shine when served fresh from the fridge. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just omit the bacon. Instead, use a vegetarian mayo alternative to keep the creamy texture. This swap keeps all the flavor without the meat. Yes, you can make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day in advance. The flavors blend better when it sits. Just remember to keep it in the fridge until serving. Rotini is the best choice for this recipe. Its twisty shape holds the dressing well. However, any short pasta works well too. Penne or fusilli are great options if you prefer a change. To boost flavor in the dressing, try adding extra herbs. Fresh basil or parsley can make a big difference. You could also add lemon juice for a tangy twist. Experiment until you find your perfect mix. BLT pasta salad combines tasty ingredients and simple steps. You start with rotini pasta, turkey bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion. The creamy dressing ties it all together. Tips help you perfect the mix, and variations let you personalize it. Store leftovers for a few days in the fridge. Feel free to adjust flavors or try different ingredients. This dish is easy to prepare and great for sharing with friends. Enjoy your delicious creation!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f3cefba7-3b06-45bd-baef-fac7dd60a52f-250x250.webp)
BLT Pasta Salad
Experience a refreshing twist on pasta salad with this BLT Pasta Salad recipe! Bursting with flavors from crispy turkey bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant salad dressed in a creamy, tangy sauce. Click through to explore this easy-to-follow recipe and impress your friends and family!