why make this recipe
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It brings together the crunchy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes in a cool, creamy pasta dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit, and you’ll find that everyone loves it!
how to make Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk for lighter version)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions :
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the 8 slices of bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, chop into bite-size pieces.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup buttermilk. Add the 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp parsley, and 1 tsp dried chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Halve the 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, chop the 3 cups romaine lettuce, and thinly slice the 3 green onions. Keep everything ready for assembly.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine, green onions, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the ranch dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and keep it refreshingly cool. Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
how to serve Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Serve Creamy BLT Pasta Salad cold as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra bacon or cheese on top for garnish.
how to store Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad is best eaten within 2-3 days. If it seems dry after storing, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or buttermilk to refresh it.
tips to make Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or turkey bacon.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and consider adding some extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- For added flavor, use different types of cheese or include your favorite herbs.
variation
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients such as avocado, olives, or different types of cheese. You can also use ranch dressing instead of the creamy dressing for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work well in this salad.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with whole milk or make a quick version by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
