BLT Pasta Salad takes everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—and transforms it into a bold, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Creamy yet fresh, hearty yet light, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight meals.

With its irresistible mix of textures and flavors, BLT Pasta Salad is guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.

What Is BLT Pasta Salad?

BLT Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad inspired by the iconic BLT sandwich. Instead of bread, tender pasta becomes the base, tossed with:

Crispy bacon
Fresh tomatoes
Crisp lettuce

Creamy dressing

The result is a refreshing yet satisfying dish that delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.

Why BLT Pasta Salad Is So Popular

This recipe has become a staple because it is:

Easy and quick to prepare
Made with familiar ingredients
Perfect for warm weather

Ideal for feeding a crowd
Customizable and versatile

It’s a guaranteed hit at BBQs, family gatherings, and holiday spreads.

Flavor and Texture Profile

BLT Pasta Salad offers a perfect balance of:

Creamy dressing
Crunchy bacon and lettuce

Juicy tomatoes
Tender pasta
Savory and slightly tangy notes

Every forkful delivers contrast, which keeps the dish exciting and crave-worthy.

Key Ingredients Explained

Pasta

Short pasta works best, such as:

Rotini

Bowtie (farfalle)
Penne

These shapes hold dressing well and don’t get mushy.

Bacon

The heart of the BLT flavor.

Crispy bacon adds salt and crunch
Thick-cut bacon gives the best texture

Should be cooked until fully crisp

Bacon balances the freshness of the tomatoes and lettuce.

Tomatoes

Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal

Juicy but less watery
Add sweetness and brightness

Fresh tomatoes are essential for authentic BLT flavor.

Lettuce

Romaine or iceberg works best
Adds crisp texture and freshness
Should be added just before serving

Lettuce keeps the salad light and refreshing.

Creamy Dressing

Typically made with:

Mayonnaise

A touch of sour cream or yogurt
Lemon juice or vinegar
Salt and black pepper

The dressing ties everything together without overpowering the BLT flavors.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad (Step-By-Step Overview)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and cool completely.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy, then drain and chop.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice tomatoes and chop lettuce just before assembling.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Combine

Toss pasta with bacon, tomatoes, and dressing until evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Lettuce & Serve

Fold in lettuce right before serving to maintain crunch.

Why Cooling the Pasta Matters

Cooling the pasta before mixing:

Prevents greasy texture

Keeps dressing creamy
Preserves fresh ingredients

Warm pasta can wilt lettuce and thin the dressing.

Pro Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad

Salt pasta water generously
Use freshly cooked, crispy bacon
Let pasta cool completely

Add lettuce last
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

These details ensure perfect flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Lettuce Too Early

Causes wilting and sogginess.

Overdressing the Salad

Can overpower the fresh ingredients.

Using Soft Bacon

Crisp bacon is essential for contrast.

Watery Tomatoes

Always drain excess tomato juice.

Delicious Variations

Chicken BLT Pasta Salad

Add grilled or rotisserie chicken for protein.

Avocado BLT Pasta Salad

Add diced avocado for creaminess.

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Swap dressing for ranch seasoning.

BLT Pasta Salad with Cheese

Add shredded cheddar or cubed mozzarella.

Light BLT Pasta Salad

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Add-Ins That Pair Well

Green onions
Red onion
Cucumber

Peas
Hard-boiled eggs

These additions enhance flavor without overpowering the BLT base.

What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken or burgers
BBQ ribs

Sandwiches
Fresh fruit
Lemonade or iced tea

It works as both a side dish and a light main course.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead

Prepare pasta, bacon, and dressing up to 24 hours ahead
Assemble just before serving

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container
Best eaten within 2–3 days

Reheating

Not recommended

Serve cold for best texture

Can You Freeze BLT Pasta Salad?

Freezing is not recommended due to:

Creamy dressing separation

Tomato texture changes
Lettuce becoming soggy

This salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Overview (Approximate)

Moderate calories
High in fats from bacon and dressing
Can be lightened with yogurt-based dressing

Add vegetables for balance

Enjoy as part of a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BLT Pasta Salad without mayo?
Yes, use Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette.

What lettuce works best?
Romaine or iceberg for crunch.

Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but flavor will be milder.

Is it kid-friendly?
Very—especially if kids enjoy bacon and pasta.

Why BLT Pasta Salad Always Works

This dish remains a favorite because it:

Uses classic, familiar flavors
Delivers texture contrast

Is easy to customize
Fits any gathering

It’s simple, satisfying, and universally loved.

Final Thoughts

BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of a classic sandwich and a summer-ready pasta salad. Creamy, crunchy, fresh, and flavorful, it’s a dish that fits effortlessly into any menu—from backyard BBQs to weekday lunches.

Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe you’ll make again and again.

BLT Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Crunchy Twist on the Classic BLT

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain well.

Make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce until smooth.
Combine: Add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion (if using), and herbs to dressing. Toss gently to coat.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (best within 2–4 hours—lettuce stays crisp!).

Serve cold, garnished with extra bacon or herbs.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
– For extra crunch, toss in cucumber or celery.
– Make it ahead? Hold the lettuce and add it fresh when serving.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):