BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ozpasta
rotini, corkscrew, bowtie, etc.
- 12 ozthick-cut bacon
- 1 tbspreserved bacon drippings
- ½ cmayonnaise
- 2 tbspshallots
- 2 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tspgranulated sugar
- ¼ tspkosher salt (+ more
- 3 tbspchives
minced
- 2 pintcherry or grape tomatoes
sliced in half
- 1 headhearts of romaine lettuce
chopped
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, salt the water with 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt, add pasta, and cook the pasta according to package directions. Once the pasta has been cooked, drain, but DO NOT RINSE, Cool the pasta to room temperature before adding the remaining ingredients. You can speed the process up by spreading the cooked pasta onto a rimmed baking sheet.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, dice the bacon into ½-inch strips and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the bacon is crispy and browned. Remove the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease to use in the pasta salad dressing. See recipe notes for baking bacon.
- 3
To prepare the dressing, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings with ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons minced shallots, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl.
- 4
Once the pasta has cooled to room temperature, toss with the dressing to coat. Add in the chives, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon and fold together until everything is evenly distributed and creamy. Give a taste and add additional salt if needed.
- 5
Serve warm, or for the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to serving.
BLT Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad: Your New Potluck Favorite
Get ready to experience everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich, transformed into an irresistible pasta salad! This BLT Pasta Salad brings together the quintessential combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce with perfectly tender pasta, all coated in a simple, luscious creamy dressing. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that's perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any meal needing a show-stopping side.
What makes this BLT Pasta Salad truly special is the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Each forkful offers the satisfying crunch of bacon, the freshness of garden tomatoes and romaine, and the chewiness of pasta, all brought together by a tangy, savory dressing. The homemade dressing, featuring shallots, apple cider vinegar, and just a hint of sugar, elevates the entire dish, ensuring a balanced and incredibly addictive flavor profile.
Tips for Perfection & Delicious Variations
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Don't skimp on crispiness! A perfectly rendered, crunchy bacon is essential for that signature BLT texture. Cook it until golden brown and drain well.
- Choose Your Pasta: While rotini, corkscrew, or bowtie pasta work wonderfully, feel free to use your favorite bite-sized pasta shape. Ensure it's cooked al dente for the best texture.
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest cherry or grape tomatoes and crisp romaine lettuce for maximum flavor and crunch. Add the lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or as a delightful side to any summer spread. It's truly a potluck favorite that disappears fast!
Elevate your next gathering with this incredible BLT Pasta Salad. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!