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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or any short pasta shape
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped, washed and dried
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well (about 5 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Cook until very crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and chop 3 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and thinly slice 3 green onions. If using herbs, chop a handful of fresh parsley or basil now.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste until creamy and well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crispy bacon pieces, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, and herbs if using. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the salad seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or extra vinegar to loosen it up.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Adjust dressing acidity to taste. Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and avocado mayo for mayonnaise for healthier options. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crunchy-bacon-and-fresh-veggies/