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To make a tasty BLT Pasta Salad, you need some key ingredients. Here is the list: - 8 ounces rotini pasta - 4 slices of turkey bacon (or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese These main ingredients bring a fresh taste and fun texture to the dish. You can also choose your bacon type. Turkey bacon gives a lighter feel, while plant-based bacon offers a great vegetarian choice. You can customize your BLT Pasta Salad with optional add-ins. Consider these options: - ½ cup sliced cucumbers - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped - ½ avocado, diced - 1 tablespoon capers These add-ins can enhance the flavor and crunch of your salad. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. The dressing is crucial for flavor. Here are the components I recommend: - ⅓ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste This dressing creates a creamy, tangy base for the salad. You can adjust the garlic and salt to suit your palate. Check out the Full Recipe for the perfect blend of these ingredients. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 slices of turkey bacon to the skillet. Cook until it's crispy and golden brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Turn the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, chopped turkey bacon, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce. Gently stir the mixture to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This creates a colorful and tasty base for your salad. For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Mix it until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a rich flavor to the salad. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients well. Next, fold in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese carefully. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Before serving, remove the salad from the fridge. Top it with torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation. Serve the pasta salad in a nice bowl and consider drizzling a little olive oil on top for extra appeal. Enjoy your fresh and tasty BLT Pasta Salad! When cooking pasta, always use plenty of water. A large pot helps the pasta move freely. Add salt to the water; this adds flavor. Cook the rotini until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. For crispy bacon, use medium heat. This allows the fat to render slowly. If you cook it too fast, it can burn. Turn the bacon pieces often to ensure even cooking. Once done, let it cool on paper towels. This keeps it crispy and removes extra grease. Seasonings make a big difference. Use garlic powder for a nice kick. Adding salt and pepper is important, too. Taste as you mix. You can adjust the flavors to your liking. Fresh herbs, like basil, also brighten the dish. They add freshness and color. This pasta salad is great for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend nicely overnight. Before serving, give it a quick stir. If it seems dry, add a splash of dressing. This keeps it fresh and tasty. For full details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian BLT pasta salad. Instead of turkey bacon, use plant-based bacon. It adds a nice crunch and flavor. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or avocado. These ingredients boost the freshness and taste. If you need a gluten-free version, swap rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Both work well and keep the dish tasty. Always check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Get creative with your salad! You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Try mixing in olives for a salty kick. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can enhance the flavor too. You might even consider adding a handful of nuts for crunch. Each addition makes your salad unique and fun! To keep your BLT Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Always let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. You can keep BLT Pasta Salad in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it. Always check for freshness before serving leftovers. If you prefer warm pasta salad, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat. Stir it well to ensure even warming. Avoid high heat, as it can make the pasta mushy. You can also add a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors. For cold servings, enjoy it straight from the fridge! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Both options give a nice creaminess. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, while sour cream offers a rich flavor. You can also mix them for a unique taste. Yes, you can use regular bacon if you prefer. It adds a richer flavor to your salad. Just be aware that regular bacon has more fat. You may need to adjust the dressing to balance the flavors. To spice up the salad, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a kick. Start with a little, then taste and adjust to your liking. While this salad is best chilled, you can serve it warm. Just mix all ingredients right after cooking. The flavors will be different but still tasty. If you try this, serve it right away for the best experience. The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the rotini pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead. Most stores offer great options that taste delicious. BLT pasta salad is a fun and tasty dish. It combines pasta, bacon, and fresh veggies. You learned how to choose the right ingredients and dressings. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and mixing. Tips helped you cook pasta and bacon just right. You also discovered ways to make it your own with variations. Keep it fresh in the fridge, and enjoy it later. Try this recipe for a delightful meal or side. Take these ideas and create your perfect BLT pasta salad!

BLT Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this delicious BLT Pasta Salad Delight! Packed with rotini pasta, crispy turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, this recipe is a flavor explosion. Perfect for picnics and gatherings, it's easy to make and can be customized for vegetarian diets too! Ready to impress?
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini pasta

4 slices of turkey bacon (or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

⅓ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

    Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly, and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

      Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

            Incorporate Feta: Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring not to break it up too much. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

              Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

                Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top with torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch and an elegant presentation.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a beautiful bowl, and consider drizzling a little olive oil on top before garnishing with fresh basil for added visual appeal.