Ohhh this one is a crowd-pleaser 😍—Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is everything you love about a BLT, but tossed with pasta and a rich, tangy dressing.
🥓🥬🍅 Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowties, or penne)
- 10–12 slices bacon, cooked crispy & chopped
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and half the lettuce.
- Add dressing and gently toss until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill & Finish
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.
- Just before serving, gently fold in the remaining lettuce for crunch.
⭐ Tips for the BEST BLT Pasta Salad
- Add lettuce right before serving so it stays crisp.
- Use extra-crispy bacon—it softens slightly in the dressing.
- If making ahead, reserve a few tablespoons of dressing to refresh before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Avocado BLT Pasta Salad: Add diced avocado just before serving.
- Ranch BLT: Swap Dijon for ranch seasoning.
- Keto / Low-Carb: Use chickpea pasta or hearts of palm pasta.
- Extra Creamy: Add 2–3 tbsp bacon grease to the dressing (yes… it’s amazing).
This salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or meal prep, and it disappears FAST 🥓✨
Want a warm BLT pasta version or a lightened-up summer version next?