If you’re anything like me, you know that the joy of a BLT in a fresh, bright salad form is simply unbeatable. This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe brings all the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon, the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, and the satisfying texture of bow tie pasta together in a creamy, tangy dressing that feels like summer in every bite. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal that feels special without fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a go-to dish you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe so irresistibly good are the simple, fresh ingredients that balance texture, flavor, and color effortlessly. Each one plays a crucial role, ensuring every forkful is packed with crunch, creaminess, and that classic BLT vibe you love.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and creamy base that makes the dressing light and refreshing.
- Greek yogurt OR mayo OR sour cream: Your choice for richness and thickness in the dressing, adjust based on what you prefer.
- White wine vinegar: Gives a mild acidity that brightens the flavors and ties everything together.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch to balance the tartness if you like a hint of sweetness in your dressing.
- Salt: Essential to enhance every flavor in the salad, plus it complements the bacon perfectly.
- Dried parsley, dill, and thyme: These herbs bring an herby depth that elevates the salad beyond the ordinary.
- Black pepper: Adds a slight kick and warmth to the dressing.
- Bow tie pasta: The perfect shape to catch dressing and bits of bacon, with a tender but firm bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness and bright color make each bite exciting and fresh.
- Baby romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the creamy dressing and rich bacon.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty, it’s the heart and soul of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining buttermilk, Greek yogurt (or your choice of mayo or sour cream), white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, dried parsley, dill, thyme, and black pepper in a large salad bowl. Whisk everything until it forms a smooth, creamy dressing that’s perfectly seasoned. This simple dressing is the backbone of the salad and makes it irresistibly tangy and fresh.
Step 2: Add the Salad Ingredients
Next, toss in the cooked and chilled bow tie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded baby romaine, and crispy chopped bacon directly into the bowl with your dressing. Give everything a gentle but thorough toss so that every piece of pasta and veggie is coated in that luscious dressing, and the bacon bits are evenly distributed. This step is where the magic happens, as the ingredients mingle and flavors marry perfectly.
Step 3: Serve or Chill
If you’re serving right away, this salad is ready to enjoy as is. But if you want to prep ahead, hold off on adding the lettuce. Chill the dressed pasta, bacon, and tomatoes for up to 24 hours in the fridge, then just fold in the romaine right before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe even more, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or extra parsley on top before serving. A little cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika also adds a lovely finishing touch. If you’re a cheese fan, grated sharp cheddar or a bit of crumbled feta can turn it into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines wonderfully alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak, or even with a simple slice of crusty garlic bread. It also pairs beautifully with a light soup or your favorite fresh fruit for a balanced, colorful meal perfect for any time of year.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, serve this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in a large, clear bowl so the vibrant reds of the tomatoes and greens of the romaine pop visually. Individual mason jars or small cups layered with salad make for charming, portable servings that guests will love. You can even pile it on toasted crostini slices for a fun appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to store the salad without the romaine lettuce if you haven’t already added it, to keep things crisp and fresh when you’re ready to eat again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. The lettuce will wilt and the creamy dressing may separate after thawing, which can affect the texture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Because this is a cold, creamy pasta salad, it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to warm it, it’s better to make a fresh batch and enjoy this salad as it was intended—refreshing and cool.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is ideal because of its shape that holds the dressing well, rotini, penne, or shells work great too. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
What can I substitute for bacon if I want a vegetarian version?
You could try smoked tempeh, crispy fried mushrooms, or even smoked paprika roasted chickpeas to add a bit of that smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the dressing?
Buttermilk adds a nice tang that enhances the dressing’s flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with milk mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar effect.
Can I prepare this salad entirely ahead of time?
Yes, but to keep the lettuce from wilting, it’s best to mix it in just before serving. The rest of the salad can be assembled and refrigerated for up to one day in advance.
How can I make the dressing thicker or thinner?
If you’d like the dressing thicker, add a bit more Greek yogurt or mayo. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of buttermilk or water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT with a fun, pasta twist. It combines easy-to-find ingredients with simple steps but delivers big on taste and satisfaction. I promise, once you try it, it’ll carve out a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for lunches, gatherings, or whenever you crave something fresh, flavorful, and downright comforting. Go ahead, give it a whirl and watch how quickly it disappears!
Print
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad combining crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and bow tie pasta, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing made with buttermilk, Greek yogurt, and herbs. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or potluck.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt OR mayo OR sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (optional for a sweeter dressing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Black pepper (to taste)
Salad
- 1 pound bow tie pasta (cooked and rinsed under cold water, drained well)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 heads baby romaine lettuce (shredded)
- 12 slices bacon (cooked until crispy and chopped)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the buttermilk, Greek yogurt (or mayo or sour cream), white wine vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, dried parsley, dried dill, dried thyme, and black pepper in a large salad bowl until smooth and combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled bow tie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded baby romaine lettuce, and chopped crispy bacon to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Toss all the ingredients thoroughly to coat evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: To prepare ahead, omit adding the lettuce and refrigerate the dressed salad for up to 1 day. Add the shredded lettuce just before serving to maintain its crispness.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with mayo or sour cream depending on your preference.
- For a sweeter dressing, add sugar as desired.
- Cook bacon until crispy for best texture; drain on paper towels before chopping.
- Make the salad ahead but add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Bow tie pasta can be swapped with other short pasta shapes if desired.
