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Easy Crispy BLT Pasta Salad

Easy Crispy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh, crunchy, and satisfying pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for backyard gatherings and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until extra crispy
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Cook, flipping occasionally, until bacon is extra crispy (about 8-12 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, shred 1 cup of romaine lettuce, and thinly slice 3 green onions. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil if using. Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Avoid overdressing the salad to keep it from becoming soggy. Keep lettuce separate until just before serving if making ahead to maintain crispness. Use a splatter screen when cooking bacon to reduce mess. Salt pasta water generously for best flavor. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and keep al dente.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, crispy bacon pasta salad, backyard salad, easy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-crispy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-backyard-gatherings/