Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Easy BLT pasta salad is a quick, creamy lunch that hits the spot. I’ve made this many times and it’s always a hit. The creamy dressing brings everything together. Try this homemade version instead of takeout. Link to Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe for easy healthy lunch. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe for Easy Healthy Lunch and Crispy Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Phyllo Bites.
Why This Easy BLT Pasta Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crunchy bacon adds texture
- Creamy dressing coats every bite
- Fresh lettuce and tomatoes
- Perfect for meal prep
What You'll Need for Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic powder
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Cook until crispy for best texture.
- Pasta: Use fettuccine for best coating with dressing.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion Blender — Ensures smooth dressing without lumps. → See on Amazon
- Measuring Cups — Helps with accurate ingredient portions. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy BLT Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with dressing, crumbled bacon, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve: Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy BLT Pasta Salad
- Seasoning: Use fresh garlic powder for better flavor.
- Common mistake and fix: Bacon not crispy? Cook over medium heat and drain on paper towels.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead: Make ahead and chill to let flavors meld before serving.
Storing & Reheating Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Best made up to 24 hours ahead.
Freezing Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Not recommended for best texture.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Microwave: Microwave on high for 1 minute.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Best substitution: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for better texture.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it.
Want to level up this recipe?
Tongs — Helps toss pasta and mix ingredients easily. → Check price on Amazon
Easy BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings
- Garlic powder
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with dressing, crumbled bacon, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Serve: Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Best substitution: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for better texture.
- Scaling: Double or triple recipe for larger groups.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for best texture.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Make ahead: Best made up to 24 hours ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 7g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy BLT Pasta Salad FAQs
Yes, make up to 24 hours ahead. Chill to let flavors meld.
Add more dressing or a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Not recommended. Freezing changes texture and may make it soggy.
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version with similar creaminess.
Yes, it’s a great portable meal. Pack in an airtight container.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy 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!
