If you’re craving a bright, satisfying dish that brings all your favorite summer flavors into one bowl, you’re going to love this Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tender rotini pasta, all tossed in a creamy garlic-infused dressing that makes every bite pop with freshness and comfort. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, grilling on the weekend, or just need a quick and tasty lunch, this salad hits all the right notes and is sure to become a seasonal staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the al dente pasta to the crispy bacon and crisp greens, this list is a celebration of summer’s best.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy dressing and bits of bacon perfectly.
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced: Juicy and fresh, they add vibrant color and a tangy sweetness.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy and savory, bringing smoky depth to every forkful.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Adds crispness and a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the dressing that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Bright and slightly pungent, they add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the dressing with a gentle garlic warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cook the rotini pasta until it’s al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the noodles have a firm bite that balances perfectly with the tender vegetables and creamy dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it time to cool before mixing.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the pasta is cooking, fry your bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they turn crispy, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’ve reached that perfect crunch, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess grease before crumbling them. This step is vital to add smoky texture and bursts of flavor to the salad.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
As your pasta cools, dice the ripe tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the green onions as well — their mild pungency will brighten the dish nicely without overwhelming the other flavors.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This simple dressing is where the magic happens, coating every ingredient with a luscious, flavorful touch that ties the salad together perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, romaine, green onions, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly until every bite is evenly coated. This step ensures even flavor distribution and a colorful presentation.
Step 6: Chill for Best Flavor
For the absolute best taste, refrigerate your Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully, making this salad even more refreshing and delicious.
How to Serve Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe presentation, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. For an extra touch of richness, crumble some sharp cheddar or sprinkle a light dusting of parmesan cheese. These garnishes not only add color but also deepen the flavor experience with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with classic summer mains like grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or smoky sausages. You could also serve it alongside corn on the cob or a simple green salad to keep the meal light, fresh, and abundantly satisfying on warmer days.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or party option. Layering the salad can make it visually stunning. Alternatively, use hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers as edible bowls for a playful and vibrant twist that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain crisp textures and prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Because this recipe contains fresh vegetables and mayonnaise, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the lettuce and tomatoes will break down, and the creamy dressing can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days after making.
Reheating
Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. Since it’s not a cooked entree but a salad with mayonnaise and fresh veggies, reheating is not necessary and would alter its delightful texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier option?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative works well for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor profile but will still be creamy and delicious.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Rotini is ideal because its spirals trap the dressing and bacon bits wonderfully, but other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne also work perfectly if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing it a few hours in advance or the night before is great because chilling helps the flavors meld. Just add the lettuce last or right before serving if you want it extra crisp.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Not in its traditional form because of the bacon, but you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting crispy smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative to keep that smoky crunch.
What’s the best way to keep the bacon crispy?
Cook the bacon until extra crispy and drain well on paper towels. Adding it to the salad once everything else is mixed and shortly before serving helps maintain that satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a joyful celebration of summer’s freshest ingredients with that beloved bacon twist that everyone craves. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors and textures that surprise and delight, and endlessly versatile. Next time you want a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and hearty Summer BLT Pasta Salad combining al dente rotini pasta with crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh romaine lettuce, and a creamy garlic mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Protein
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cook Bacon: While pasta cooks, fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the ripe tomatoes and romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces while the pasta cools. Thinly slice the green onions.
- Make Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add celery or cucumber slices.
- Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor and texture.
- Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to personal taste.
