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If you're looking for the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this BLT Pasta Salad is about to become your new favorite recipe. It combines everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—with tender pasta tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.

It's fresh, flavorful, and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether you're serving burgers on the grill, smoked chicken, or sandwiches, this easy pasta salad is always one of the first dishes to disappear.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

Ready in about 30 minutes
Perfect for summer gatherings and BBQs
Great for meal prep
Loaded with crispy bacon and fresh vegetables
Creamy homemade dressing that's packed with flavor
Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins

Ingredients You'll Need for this Summer BLT Pasta Salad

For the Pasta Salad

12 ounces rotini pasta (or bow tie pasta)
10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 cups of sun-dried tomatoes, halved
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chopped green onions

For the Dressing

1/2 cup of Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of mayo (I prefer Dukes, but you can use the brand that best suits you)
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Ranch seasoning
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Garlic powder
Black pepper

If you'd like a thinner dressing, whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl combine:

Cooled pasta
Bacon
Tomatoes
Red onion
Cheddar cheese
Green onions

Pour the dressing over everything and toss until evenly coated.

Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce so it stays crisp.

Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn't become mushy.
Cool the pasta completely before adding the dressing.
Add the lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
Use freshly cooked bacon for the best texture and flavor.
Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Delicious Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize. Try adding:

Diced avocado
Cubed chicken
Chopped hard-boiled eggs
Diced cucumbers
Sweet corn
Fresh basil
Croutons for extra crunch
Parmesan cheese

What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled burgers
BBQ chicken
Smoked ribs
Pulled pork sandwiches
Hot dogs
Grilled steak
Fried chicken
Sloppy Joes

It's also hearty enough to enjoy as a light lunch all by itself.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Since the lettuce softens over time, you can keep it separate and stir it in just before serving if you're making this salad ahead of time.

If the salad thickens after chilling, simply stir in a splash of milk or an extra spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything except the lettuce up to one day in advance. Refrigerate, then stir in the lettuce just before serving.

What pasta works best?

Rotini, bow tie, shells, penne, and cavatappi all work well because they hold onto the creamy dressing.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Absolutely. Turkey bacon works great if you're looking for a lighter version.

Can I make this without ranch seasoning?

Yes. You can substitute your favorite bottled ranch dressing or simply season the dressing with additional garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, and a pinch of salt.

Can I freeze pasta salad?

Freezing isn't recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables won't maintain their texture after thawing.

Recipe Tips

Make extra bacon because everyone loves more bacon.
Fresh summer tomatoes provide the best flavor.
Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest dressing.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and cracked black pepper just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes You'll Love

If you love easy side dishes, be sure to try these favorites next:

Yield: 10 servings

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

Name: Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of ranch dressing; 1/2 cup of sour cream; 1/2 cup of mayo; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; salt; pepper; 1 16 ounce box of bow tie pasta; 2 cups of sun dried tomatoes (or you can use regular cherry tomatoes); 10 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled; 3 cups of shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup of diced red onion (optional); 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 cup of chopped green onion (optional)

No Ratings

This creamy BLT Pasta Salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, and tender pasta in a flavorful ranch dressing. It's the ultimate summer side dish for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, and family dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the salad

1 16 ounce box of bow tie pasta
2 cups of sun dried tomatoes (or you can use regular cherry tomatoes)
10 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
3 cups of shredded lettuce
1/2 cup of diced red onion (optional)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup of chopped green onion (optional)

For the dressing

1/2 cup of ranch dressing
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of mayo
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt
pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside until completely cooled.
While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, let it cool, and crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning,
Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, if a thinner dressing is desired.
Add the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and green onions to a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.
Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce. Garnish with additional bacon and green onions, if desired.

Notes

Add the lettuce immediately before serving so it stays crisp.
The pasta must be completely cool before adding the dressing.
Reserve a small amount of dressing to refresh the salad after it chills.
Store the lettuce separately when preparing the salad in advance.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, although the lettuce will soften over time.
Stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk if the dressing becomes too thick after refrigeration.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 452Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 9gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 480mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 9gSugar: 22gProtein: 16g