BLT Pasta Salad
To make BLT Pasta Salad, cook the pasta, cool it slightly, toss it with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and dress it while the noodles can still absorb some flavor. It works because the pasta gets seasoned before the chill dulls everything down.
This BLT pasta salad combines cooled pasta with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato, dressed while the noodles can still soak up some flavor. It's a good potluck side dish that holds up well sitting out.
It's an easy summer side for a cookout or a make-ahead lunch. Cook your pasta al dente, and toss everything together once it's cooled.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups bacon
- 1 cup lettuce
- 1 cup tomato
- 1/3 cup dressing or vinaigrette
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just past al dente, then drain and rinse briefly to stop the carryover cooking.
- 2Combine the cooled pasta with bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a large bowl.
- 3Toss with the dressing while the pasta is still slightly warm so it actually absorbs some flavor.
- 4Chill for at least 20 minutes if you want the flavors to settle together.
- 5Taste again before serving because cold pasta always wants a little more salt or acid.
Pro Tips
- Salt the pasta water properly or the salad tastes sleepy no matter what else you do.
- Dress once while warm and again lightly before serving if it dried out.
- Keep the add-ins bite-size so each forkful has a chance at balance.
Substitutions
Storage Instructions
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead
This gets better after a short chill, so it is a strong make-ahead option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. This gets better after a short chill, so it is a strong make-ahead option.
How do I store leftover BLT Pasta Salad?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze BLT Pasta Salad?
Usually not if the recipe depends on crisp vegetables or creamy dressing. BLT Pasta Salad is better refrigerated than frozen.
What should I serve with BLT Pasta Salad?
BLT Pasta Salad works best with simple sides or toppings that support the main texture instead of competing with it.