If you are searching for a dish that beautifully captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer, the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect answer. This salad combines everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich—crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—and elevates it with tender rotini pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky dressing. It is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both comforting and refreshingly light, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create a harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role in making this salad a standout.
- Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Ripe tomatoes: They add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color to brighten the dish.
- Bacon slices: Crisp, smoky, and savory, bacon adds incredible texture and classic BLT flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: Crunchy and fresh, it contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the pasta.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, tying all ingredients together smoothly.
- Green onions: Provide a subtle sharpness that complements the bacon and tomatoes.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking 8 ounces of rotini pasta in generously salted boiling water. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite and won’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool completely to avoid wilting the fresh veggies later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until they turn crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, place them on paper towels to absorb excess grease, then crumble into bite-size pieces. This step sets the stage for that much-loved smoky crunch in every forkful.
Step 3: Chop the Fresh Veggies
While the pasta cools, dice 1 cup of ripe tomatoes and chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce. Slice 2 green onions thinly. These fresh ingredients bring color and refreshing crispness that balances the richness of the bacon and mayo-based dressing.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Mayonnaise Dressing
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture until it becomes smooth and flavorful. This creamy dressing is key to tying the ingredients together with savory, garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta, chopped tomatoes, romaine lettuce, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Pour the garlic mayonnaise dressing over the top. Gently toss everything to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the tender lettuce.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies, melding all those delicious flavors together for a truly satisfying dish.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can transform this pasta salad into an eye-catching centerpiece. Consider sprinkling extra crumbled bacon on top for added crunch or a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives to boost color and freshness. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the brightness even more.
Side Dishes
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it ideal for backyard barbecues. For a lighter option, serve it alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It’s versatile enough to complement almost any main dish or be enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters when it comes to impressing friends and family. Try serving the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or small lettuce cups for individual portions. Alternatively, layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl adds a beautiful visual element, showcasing the colorful layers of pasta, bacon, and veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll want to stir it gently before serving again to redistribute the dressing and refresh the texture. Keep in mind the lettuce might soften slightly after sitting, so enjoy it sooner rather than later for the best crunch.
Freezing
Because the salad contains fresh lettuce and mayonnaise, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will change the texture of the greens and make the dressing separate, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days after preparing.
Reheating
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a cold dish and best served chilled. However, if your pasta is a bit firm after refrigeration, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Avoid reheating as this can wilt the lettuce and change the overall texture of the salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just choose a pasta that won’t get mushy and can catch the dressing well.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Yes, you can swap out regular mayonnaise for a lighter version or use Greek yogurt to cut down on calories while still maintaining creaminess. Adding more fresh vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers can also boost the nutritional profile.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Peas, corn, avocado, or even shredded carrots work beautifully. Feel free to customize your Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe based on what’s fresh and available to you.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
For optimal freshness, prepare the salad and chill it for at least 30 minutes up to a day before serving. Preparing it too far ahead may cause the lettuce to lose its crunch.
What’s the best way to re-crisp the lettuce if it gets soggy?
If the lettuce softens, you can soak it in ice water for 10-15 minutes before draining and tossing it back into the salad. This helps bring back some of that refreshing crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe enough for your next warm-weather gathering or even a simple family dinner. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent and light at the same time, full of fresh summer flavors that make your taste buds sing. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite that everyone asks you to make again and again.
Print
Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Summer BLT Pasta Salad combining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for warm weather meals and potlucks, this salad delivers classic BLT flavors in a satisfying pasta salad form.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
Vegetables
- 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 8-10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl to cool.
- Cook the bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon strips for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the ripe tomatoes and romaine lettuce, and thinly slice the green onions while the pasta cools.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and well-mixed.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, romaine lettuce, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a light or Greek yogurt-based dressing to reduce calories.
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Optional: Add avocado slices or shredded cheddar cheese for variation.
