BLT pasta salad is where creamy comfort meets crispy, salty joy. When we made this for a summer cookout, people kept sneaking back for seconds before the burgers were even off the grill. That’s how you know it’s good. There’s something about the mix of smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and chilled noodles tangled up in ranchy goodness that feels like a backyard hug in a bowl. It works for any crowd — from picky kids to the uncles who think salad isn’t food. And let’s not ignore the best part: it’s a salad that doesn’t actually feel like a salad. There’s pasta, there’s bacon, and there’s no lecture on eating your greens. It’s like a little loophole for indulgence in the middle of your weeknight meal or party spread. Whether you need a dish for your next potluck or just want to eat something cold and tasty without breaking a sweat, this recipe’s ready in 30 minutes or less. It’s simple, fast, and hits all the right notes. Make extra — trust me, you’ll want leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad
4) How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
5) Tips for Making BLT Pasta Salad
6) Making BLT Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover BLT Pasta Salad
8) Try these salads & bowls next!
9) BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

BLT Pasta Salad brings together creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes in one bowl.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes and works great as a dinner, side, or meal prep option.
Keep the lettuce and bacon separate if prepping ahead for best texture.
This salad tastes even better after chilling a while in the fridge.

2) Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Every now and then, we all need a break from the oven. BLT Pasta Salad saves the day when it’s too hot to cook but you still want something filling. It pulls together in under 30 minutes and checks every box for flavor, texture, and ease. It fits the bill for easy recipes for dinner when your energy is low and your hunger’s loud.

I made this for a neighbor’s potluck once and it disappeared faster than the deviled eggs. That’s saying something. It works as a light dinner, a picnic dish, or a quick lunch straight from the fridge. It’s got that creamy meets crunchy magic that just works, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples.

Best part? It doesn’t try too hard. You boil pasta, you mix a quick dressing, and you toss in bacon. That’s it. It’s the kind of food that feels good to make and even better to eat. This pasta salad is your backup plan turned dinner hero.

3) Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad

1 pound short pasta – Something with twists or grooves like rotini or penne holds the dressing beautifully and gives every bite the right balance of sauce and crunch.

1 cup mayo – This adds the creamy backbone to the salad and ties everything together. Use a mayo you love, because the flavor really shows up.

1/2 cup sour cream – A little tang cuts through the richness of the bacon and balances the dressing so it’s not too heavy.

1 packet ranch seasoning mix – This shortcut packs flavor fast. You could mix your own herbs, but this version saves time and still tastes amazing.

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved – Sweet, juicy, and bright. They add a burst of color and help cut the creamy texture so the dish doesn’t feel flat.

8 slices bacon, crispy and chopped – The star of the show. Bacon adds salt, crunch, and that unmistakable smoky punch we all love.

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped – This is the BLT nod, bringing a bit of crisp freshness. Add just before serving so it stays firm.

Salt and pepper to taste – Taste and adjust once everything’s mixed. Bacon is salty already, so season at the end.

4) How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1 – Boil your pasta in salted water. Cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water so it doesn’t keep cooking.

Step 2 – In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Stir until it looks smooth and blended.

Step 3 – Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and stir gently so each piece gets coated. Let it sit a few minutes so the pasta soaks in the flavor.

Step 4 – Toss in the halved tomatoes, crispy bacon, and chopped lettuce. Don’t overmix, just fold everything in until it looks well combined.

Step 5 – Add salt and pepper if needed. Taste a bite. If it’s bland, sprinkle a little more salt. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water.

Step 6 – Chill the salad in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. It firms up, and the flavors blend better cold.

5) Tips for Making BLT Pasta Salad

If you’re planning on a meal prep week, this recipe is gold. Cook the bacon ahead and keep it separate until just before eating. Same goes for the lettuce. This way the textures stay crisp and fresh.

Use short pasta shapes that have plenty of surface to hold dressing. Penne, fusilli, or rotini are all solid choices. And salt your pasta water generously. It’s the first chance you get to flavor the noodles. A bland base throws off the whole salad.

Need it to stretch? Toss in chopped grilled chicken or a handful of shredded cheese. Suddenly you’ve got easy recipes for dinner that feel just a little fancier without much more effort.

6) Making BLT Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

This dish tastes even better a few hours later. The dressing clings better, and the flavors mellow in the best way. If you’re prepping this for a cookout or dinner later in the week, hold back the lettuce and bacon until the last minute.

Store the base salad covered in the fridge. Right before you serve, toss in the crisp parts. That way, nothing goes limp or soggy. You’ll thank yourself when your leftovers still taste like lunch, not regret.

Want to mix it up? Add avocado right before serving. Just a few slices and it turns into something more rich and satisfying without a big change.

7) Storing Leftover BLT Pasta Salad

Keep the salad in a sealed container in the fridge and you’re good for up to four days. It’s perfect for quick lunch scoops or lazy weeknight sides.

If it starts to feel dry, just stir in a little more dressing or a spoon of sour cream to loosen it up. Toss well before eating, especially if any ingredients separated while sitting.

This salad was built for leftovers. Just make sure to save the bacon and lettuce separately until the very last toss.

8) Try these salads & bowls next!

9) BLT Pasta Salad Recipe