BLT Pasta Salad

There's nothing better than a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich—until now! Combining two American comfort foods—the BLT sandwich and pasta salad recipes—this BLT pasta salad is the ultimate make-and-take side dish for summer. Beyond the ripe tomatoes and crispy, salty bacon, the other star of this salad is the creamy dressing made with none other than zesty ranch seasoning mix. Mix up this cookout side to serve alongside saucy BBQ ribs and baked beans, or pack it in your cooler for the next outdoor summer potluck. It goes with practically everything and is always a crowd-pleaser!

How do you make the best pasta salad?

Great pasta salads are all about balance. This version combines crisp, smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes that add a burst of juiciness, romaine for a fresh crunch, salty parmesan cheese, and onion and herbs for added flavor. Paired with pasta and tossed in the zippiest, creamiest ranch dressing, it is an utterly addictive side dish for every summer occasion.

Can pasta salad be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can also make it ahead and keep it for up to 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If making it the day before, keep the bacon and lettuce on the side until ready to serve. (Tossing them in just before will make sure they stay crunchy.) You’ll also want to hold a small amount of dressing on the side to mix in right before serving.

How do you keep pasta salad from drying out?

Pasta salads often absorb dressing as they sit which means they can turn out dry when made ahead. For a moist pasta salad, consider holding some of the dressing separately and tossing it in just before serving, or stirring in 1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk.

What bacon is best for BLT pasta salad?

Center-cut bacon is a great choice for this recipe, because there's a higher meat-to-fat ratio per slice. Other than that, the sky's the limit—peppered bacon is delicious, as well as applewood-smoked bacon. Folks looking to trim a little fat from their diet can opt for turkey bacon, just note that the cook time will slightly differ, and you may need to add a little oil to the pan.

Can you use store-bought bacon bits in BLT pasta salad?

Technically you can, but nothing beats the crispness and flavor of bacon you've fried up yourself. It's worth the effort—trust us! If you absolutely must use store-bought bacon bits, buy a package of "real bacon pieces" rather than bacon-flavored bits.

What's the best way to cook bacon?

This recipe calls for cooking bacon the classic way—in a pan. However, the bacon can be cooked in the oven or in the microwave. To microwave bacon, place slices in an even layer on a paper-towel-lined plate, and microwave in 90-second intervals until crisp. You can also cook it in the oven using this air fryer bacon recipe!

Which pasta is best for pasta salad?

Technically, you can use any of your favorite pasta shapes for this recipe, but bite-sized pasta with texture and holes is best to catch the dressing, herbs, and other toppings. Try bowties, shells, orecchiette, or penne—or go for something with a spiral-shape like fusilli or cavatappi.

Should you rinse the pasta for pasta salad?

Yes, for a cold pasta salad, you should rinse your pasta in a colander. This helps stop the pasta from cooking and removes some of the starch so the pieces don't stick together. If you are cooking the pasta the day before, give it a rinse, then toss it with 1 teaspoon of olive oil (to prevent it from sticking together) and refrigerate in a covered container. Warning: This is not the case for hot pasta—never rinse pasta when you're making a hot dish.

How long can BLT pasta salad sit out at room temperature?

While this summer salad is an excellent choice for outdoor cookouts and picnics, it doesn't need to hang out unrefrigerated for too long before serving due to the mayo-based dressing. It shouldn't sit out more than an hour or two but the good news is, it's easy to store in a cooler if you need to keep it cool for longer!

What else can you put in BLT pasta salad?

Some diced avocado would be a delicious addition—just wait until right before serving to add it. You could also throw in cubed or shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack!), or some chopped cucumber for a little crunch.