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
Scale
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.
