Ah, the classic BLT—bacon, lettuce, tomato—it’s like a culinary hug from your favorite diner. But, imagine, just for a moment, taking all that goodness and tossing it into a bowl with some perfectly cooked pasta. It’s like your favorite summer picnic got a gourmet twist, and suddenly, you’re dining al fresco in your own kitchen.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and an optional tablespoon of bacon grease in a bowl until smooth.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces, saving some grease if desired for the dressing.
- Boil the rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well-coated.
- If desired, garnish the pasta salad with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve grease if desired)
- 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ? cup diced red onion
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- Can I make this BLT pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this pasta salad can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal side dish for gatherings. However, if you’re adding proteins like chicken or bacon, it’s best to make it no more than a day before serving, as these ingredients have a shorter fridge life.
- Can I use a different type of pasta for the BLT pasta salad?
- Absolutely! While rotini is recommended due to its ability to hold the dressing well, you can substitute it with bow tie pasta or even cheese-filled tortellini for a variation.
- What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
- If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a great alternative. You can also explore other protein options or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.
- How can I make the dressing for the BLT pasta salad?
- The dressing is a simple mix of mayonnaise and ranch dressing. For an enhanced flavor, consider making your own ranch dressing at home, which takes just a few extra minutes.
- What additional ingredients can I add to the BLT pasta salad?
- This salad is versatile, allowing you to add ingredients like fresh avocados, cheddar cheese, or red onions. You can also incorporate vegetables such as peppers, carrots, or celery, and for those missing the bread element, a handful of croutons can be a great addition.
Tips
- For the best flavor, make your own ranch dressing instead of using store-bought. It only takes a few extra minutes and significantly enhances the taste of the salad.
- Consider using rotini or bow tie pasta to ensure the creamy dressing clings to each bite, making the salad more flavorful.
- If you want to prepare the salad in advance, assemble it no more than a day before serving, especially if you’re adding perishable proteins like bacon or chicken, to keep it fresh.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or croutons for extra crunch and flavor.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – A large enough bowl to combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and bacon grease.
- Salad Spinner – To thoroughly dry the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Knife Set – A good quality set for easily dicing tomatoes, avocados, and onions.
