3 Blt Pasta Salad Ideas

Is there anything better than a classic BLT sandwich? Yes—turning it into a creamy, tangy, and savory BLT pasta salad! This dish takes all the flavors you love—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—and blends them with pasta and a few extra goodies to make a summer salad that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a make-ahead lunch.

In this post, you’ll find three incredible BLT pasta salad variations that bring new life to your favorite combo. From classic to avocado-infused to ranch-flavored, we’ve got something for every palate.

Cooking Tools:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander
• Frying pan or oven for cooking bacon
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing dressing

3 Blt Pasta Salad Ideas:

Discover 3 delicious BLT Pasta Salad Ideas that combine crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce with perfectly cooked pasta. These easy, flavorful recipes are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner!

1: Classic BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Preparation:

1. Cook pasta until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain.
2. Cook bacon until crispy and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop lettuce and tomatoes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
2. Add dressing and toss until evenly coated.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Recipes

2: Avocado BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bowtie pasta
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach (or lettuce)
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper

Ingredient Preparation:

1. Cook pasta, drain, and let cool.
2. Chop bacon, avocado, and tomatoes.
3. In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix pasta, avocado, tomatoes, spinach, and bacon.
2. Pour over the dressing and toss gently.
3. Refrigerate before serving.

Recipes

3: Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
• 1 tbsp fresh chives (optional)

Ingredient Preparation:

1. Cook pasta and cool it under cold water.
2. Prepare lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese.
3. Have ranch dressing and chives ready.

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese in a bowl.
2. Add ranch dressing and toss to coat.
3. Garnish with chives before serving.

Recipes

Serving Ideas:

• Main Course: Add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make a full meal.
• Party Favorite: Serve in a large decorative bowl for gatherings.
• Picnic or BBQ: Perfect for outdoor dining and potlucks.
• Kid-Friendly: Skip the lettuce and add extra bacon for a kid-approved version.

How to Store BLT Pasta Salad:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep Ingredients Separate: For longer freshness, store lettuce and dressing separately until ready to serve.
• Avoid Freezing: Not recommended due to mayo and lettuce texture.

Nutrition Table (Per 1-Cup Serving):

Recipe	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
Classic BLT Salad	310	10g	28g	18g	2g
Avocado BLT Salad	330	9g	26g	20g	4g
Ranch BLT Salad	350	11g	30g	22g	2g

Note: Values are estimated and can vary depending on ingredients used.

Find next: Potatoe Salad Ideas

FAQs:

Q1: What’s the best pasta shape for BLT pasta salad?
Rotini, bowtie, and penne work great because they hold dressing well and are bite-sized.

Q2: Can I make this salad the day before?
Yes! Just keep lettuce and dressing separate until right before serving to keep things fresh.

Q3: What if I don’t eat pork?
Substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free mayo, yogurt, or dressing options.

Q5: How long does BLT pasta salad last in the fridge?
About 3 days, though it’s best within the first 24–48 hours.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re hosting a summer party or meal prepping for the week, a good BLT pasta salad never disappoints.

These three recipes offer something for everyone—classic lovers, avocado fans, and ranch enthusiasts.

Add them to your rotation and enjoy the balance of crunch, creaminess, and rich flavor. With the perfect mix of textures and ingredients, BLT pasta salad just might become your go-to warm-weather dish!