Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
Love the classic BLT sandwich? Then you’ll go crazy for this Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the dressing to balance tangy and creamy. The crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes make this dish a summer cookout staple. Keep reading for my tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Beef Bulgogi and Quick & Easy Italian Pasta Salad.
Why This Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad Is Pure Comfort
- The perfect balance of creamy and tangy dressing
- Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes in every bite
- Easy to make and better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 1 lb (450g) bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: Chopped green onions
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- pasta: Any shape works, but rotini or penne holds dressing well.
- bacon: Use thick-cut for extra crispiness.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Bacon Grill — Cooks bacon evenly and reduces mess → See on Amazon
- Salad Spinner — Dries lettuce quickly for crispier salad → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook bacon: Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare vegetables: Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
- Time-saving tip: Cook pasta and bacon simultaneously to save time.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook pasta; it will absorb too much dressing and become mushy. Fix by draining and rinsing pasta with cold water.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Serving tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for romaine lettuce for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, thin it out with a bit of milk or buttermilk.
Want to level up this recipe?
Pasta Pot with Strainer — Makes draining and rinsing pasta easy and mess-free → Check price on Amazon
Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta
- 1 lb (450g) bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Seasonings
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook bacon: Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare vegetables: Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for romaine lettuce for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, thin it out with a bit of milk or buttermilk.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Make ahead: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad FAQs
Yes, prepare dressing and chop vegetables a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge. Combine just before serving.
Overcooked pasta absorbs too much dressing. Fix by draining and rinsing pasta with cold water.
Not recommended for freezing due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.
No, this recipe is best made on the stovetop and in a large bowl.
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Better Than Takeout BLT Pasta Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
