BLT Pasta Salad combines bowtie pasta, crispy bacon, romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cheddar cheese with a creamy ranch dressing. It has all the flavors of a classic BLT in an easy cold pasta salad.
I love making this for summer cookouts and gatherings because it can be prepped ahead and finished right before it’s time to eat. And let’s be honest—anything with bacon and ranch usually disappears pretty quickly. 😂
Why I Love BLT Pasta Salad
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Bowtie Pasta: Cook and cool the pasta before assembling the salad.
- Romaine Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and gives the salad its classic BLT flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy, fresh tomato flavor.
- Bacon: Cook until crispy, then crumble.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cubed cheddar adds plenty of cheesy flavor.
- Creamy Dressing: Mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar make the simple creamy dressing.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
Make the Dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then let it cool.
Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce.
Combine: Add the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, romaine, and cheddar cheese to a large bowl.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Cool the Pasta: Let the pasta cool completely before adding the lettuce.
- Cook the Bacon Crisp: Crispy bacon holds up best in the creamy dressing.
- Wait on the Lettuce: Add the romaine shortly before serving so it stays crisp.
- Save Some Dressing: If making ahead, reserve a little dressing to freshen up the salad before serving.
Questions Readers Ask Most
Can I make BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, and dressing ahead of time. Add the lettuce shortly before serving so it stays crisp.
How long does BLT Pasta Salad last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce will soften the longer it sits.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Rotini, penne, or another short pasta works well.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing?
Yes. Your favorite creamy bottled ranch works perfectly in the dressing.
Should BLT Pasta Salad be served cold?
Yes. This pasta salad is best served chilled or shortly after assembling.
More Pasta Salad Recipes I Love
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad combines bowtie pasta, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese with a creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- - 16 ounces bowtie pasta, uncooked
- - 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- - 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- - 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- - 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
For the Dressing
- - ½ cup mayonnaise
- - ½ cup sour cream
- - ½ cup creamy ranch dressing
- - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce.
- Combine: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and cheddar cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For the best texture, add the romaine lettuce shortly before serving so it stays crisp.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 325Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 451mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g
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