BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on your favorite sandwich! Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal, this dish combines the crunchy texture of bacon with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a standout among pasta salad recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT in a new and exciting way that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or as a main course for lunch; it fits any occasion.
• Make Ahead: This pasta salad is best when chilled, allowing you to prepare it in advance for gatherings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out dressings to create your own version.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of BLT Pasta Salad, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large pot
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps to blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Large pot: A spacious pot is essential for boiling pasta efficiently.
• Colander: Draining pasta properly prevents mushiness and keeps the texture just right.

Ingredients

This amazing pasta salad recipe is like your favorite BLT sandwich, in salad form!

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz. farfalle pasta noodles
• 10 slices of Turkey Bacon (cooked crisp and then broken into pieces)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• 2 cups of baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper

For the Dressing

• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 heaping tbsp. mayonnaise (can sub sour cream or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tsp. dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. Italian dressing

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Boil the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain well using a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks:
* In a mixing bowl, combine quartered cherry tomatoes and broken Turkey Bacon pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Add ranch dressing.
2. Mix in mayonnaise (or your chosen substitute).
3. Stir in dijon mustard and Italian dressing.
4. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the pasta is ready:
1. Add it directly to the bowl with Turkey Bacon and tomatoes.
2. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
3. Pour half of the prepared dressing over the mixture and stir again.
4. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

One hour before serving:
1. Add baby spinach to the chilled salad.
2. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix gently again and return to fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy your refreshing BLT Pasta Salad!

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or serving it as a side for dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

• A hearty option: Serve BLT Pasta Salad as a main dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

At Picnics and Barbecues

• Perfect for outdoor dining: This pasta salad is easy to transport, making it ideal for summer picnics and barbecues.

With Fresh Bread

• Pair with crusty bread: Serve alongside slices of fresh baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

For Meal Prep

• Great for lunches: Pack individual portions in containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

As a Side Dish

• Complements many meals: BLT Pasta Salad works well as a side for grilled meats or sandwiches, adding freshness to your plate.

How to Perfect BLT Pasta Salad

To achieve the best BLT Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavors and texture, ensuring you create a delightful dish every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and spinach make a huge difference in taste. Choose ripe, high-quality produce for the best results.
• Cook pasta al dente: Ensure the pasta has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with dressing.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour enhances flavors as they meld together, creating a more delicious dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after chilling. Sometimes flavors need a bit more seasoning after resting.
• Experiment with dressings: Feel free to try different dressings or add-ins like balsamic vinaigrette for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors nicely.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and nutrition.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances out the creaminess of the pasta salad.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness and lightness, perfect for summer meals.
4. Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips offer texture contrast; opt for baked varieties for a healthier choice.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Mini stuffed peppers filled with cheese or grains can be an exciting addition on the table.
6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers make a simple yet elegant side dish.
7. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser and complement the flavors of the pasta salad well.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks are great for dipping into leftover dressing from the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your BLT Pasta Salad, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. These mistakes can impact the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least one hour enhances the flavors. Skipping this step may lead to a bland taste.
• Overcooking pasta: Cooking the farfalle pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions and check for al dente texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to add enough salt and pepper can leave your salad underwhelming. Always season to taste before serving.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Opting for cheaper or stale ingredients may affect the overall quality of your salad. Fresh bacon, ripe tomatoes, and good dressing make a significant difference.
• Forgetting to mix thoroughly: Not mixing all components well can result in uneven flavor distribution. Ensure everything is combined properly before chilling.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness until serving.

Freezing BLT Pasta Salad

• This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients.
• It’s best enjoyed fresh; freezing may alter texture and flavor.

Reheating BLT Pasta Salad

• Oven: If you prefer a warm version, reheat gently in an oven-safe dish at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BLT Pasta Salad?

BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of pasta, turkey bacon, tomatoes, and spinach dressed with ranch and other flavorful ingredients. It mimics the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich in salad form.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes! You can substitute regular bacon if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful that it may increase the overall fat content.

How do I customize my BLT Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch. You can also switch up the dressing based on your preference.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad makes an excellent meal prep option as it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Final Thoughts

The BLT Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. With its vibrant flavors and textural contrasts, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a simple side dish any time of year. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy experimenting with this refreshing recipe!

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BLT Pasta Salad

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Introducing the refreshing BLT Pasta Salad, a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings. This easy-to-prepare dish is bursting with flavors from crispy turkey bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all tossed together with a creamy ranch dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, attending a potluck, or looking for a quick weekday meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress. The best part? It can be made ahead of time and customized to your liking. Enjoy the vibrant colors and textures in every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz. farfalle pasta
• 10 slices turkey bacon
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil farfalle pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine quartered cherry tomatoes and broken turkey bacon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Italian dressing until smooth.
4. Add cooked pasta to the tomato and bacon mixture; pour half of the dressing over it and mix well.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
6. Before serving, gently fold in baby spinach, drizzle with remaining dressing, season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling if needed. This salad can easily be customized with additional veggies or different dressings.