If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the vibrant flavors of sunshine and summer nights, the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad brings together the classic BLT charm—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh romaine lettuce—with the satisfying bite of rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy, garlicky dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of textures and colors that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or simply want a fuss-free meal that bursts with summer goodness, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity, made from a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every item adds its own splash of flavor, crunch, or creaminess, ensuring that every forkful is a perfect balance of tastes and textures.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: The twisted shape holds the dressing beautifully and adds a lovely chewy texture that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced: Bursting with juiciness, they bring bright color and a fresh, tangy sweetness to the salad.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy, smoky bacon pieces deliver that beloved salty crunch that’s essential in any BLT-inspired dish.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Adds a crisp, refreshing bite that contrasts perfectly with the soft pasta and creamy dressing.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the salad, giving it richness and smoothness with every bite.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Offers a mild onion flavor with a subtle crunch, brightening up the mix without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth and a gentle kick of savory goodness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and bring all the individual flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Begin by boiling salted water and cooking your rotini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. This pasta shape is wonderful because its spirals trap dressing and bits of bacon, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. After cooking, drain and allow it to cool completely, so it won’t wilt the lettuce later.
Step 2: Prepare the bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry your bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they turn crispy and golden, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer them to paper towels to drain excess grease and then crumble them into bite-size pieces. This step delivers that signature crispy bacon texture that makes this pasta salad truly irresistible.
Step 3: Chop and slice the veggies
As the pasta cools and bacon crisps, chop your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the romaine lettuce. Thinly slice your green onions to sprinkle throughout the salad for that mild, zesty flavor. Freshly chopped veggies are key to adding both texture and vibrant color in this recipe.
Step 4: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, well-seasoned dressing. This creamy mixture ties all the salad ingredients together with a subtle garlicky warmth without overwhelming the fresh elements.
Step 5: Combine and toss
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Pour in your creamy dressing and gently toss everything together until the pasta salad is evenly coated. Be gentle to keep the lettuce crisp and the tomatoes intact.
Step 6: Chill before serving
For the best taste, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and results in a refreshingly cool dish that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and taste, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra green onion slices on top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or even some crispy bacon bits can add an inviting crunch and vibrant touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines as a main dish, but it also pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even a simple avocado toast. Its creamy, savory flavors complement proteins beautifully, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe inside hollowed-out tomatoes or lettuce cups for handheld bites. Alternatively, you can layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase the beautiful colors or serve it family-style at a picnic or barbecue for everyone to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind the lettuce may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious if you want to prepare it a few hours in advance.
Freezing
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is not ideal for freezing because the lettuce and creamy dressing can become watery and limp once thawed. It’s best to prepare only the amount you plan to enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but most people love it chilled and refreshing straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can experiment with other shapes like penne, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook until al dente for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you’d like a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works well and still provides a creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
The key is to mix the salad only when you’re ready to serve or after chilling and to avoid overdressing. Using crisp romaine and chilling the salad helps maintain that satisfying crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even sweet corn for extra color and texture, making the salad your own unique creation.
How long before serving should I make this salad?
For peak flavor, prepare and chill the salad at least 30 minutes before serving. However, you can make it up to a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until mealtime.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe—it’s bright, satisfying, and downright delicious in a way that makes you want to share it with everyone you know. Whether it’s for a casual lunch, a weekend BBQ, or just a simple dinner, this recipe brings a smile with every bite. Try it out, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes to celebrate the joy of summer!
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Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender rotini pasta for a perfect cold pasta salad. Featuring crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing, it’s an ideal summer side or light meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Bacon
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Chop Vegetables: As the pasta cools, dice the ripe tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, and thinly slice the green onions to prepare the fresh ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, romaine lettuce, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients without mashing the veggies.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo.
- Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the lettuce.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for a fresh citrusy twist.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten free.
