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BLT Pasta Salad

A refreshing and creamy take on the classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad features crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all enveloped in a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound rotini pasta Aspirar pasta to al dente.
Bacon
  • 1 pound thick cut bacon For enhanced flavor and crunch.
Vegetables
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and hydration.
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Provides crunch.
Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Use high-quality mayonnaise for best results.
  • ½ cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill Optional ingredient for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, lay the bacon in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to sizzle for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until perfectly crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let the bacon cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional dill until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss until everything is well-coated.
  2. Gently fold in the chopped romaine for that extra crunch.
Chilling and Serving
  1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve in a wooden serving bowl. Pair with chilled white wine or iced tea. This salad can be prepared a day ahead; just add the romaine just before serving. Can also substitute ingredients to cater to dietary needs.