B.L.T. Pasta Salad
A vibrant and satisfying pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all coated in a creamy dressing with a tangy vinegar kick. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the wagon-wheel pasta according to package directions.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water, drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the crumbled bacon, sliced tomatoes, and sliced romaine lettuce to the pasta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of this B.L.T. Pasta Salad, consider using turkey bacon instead of thick-cut bacon. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a tangy twist. Make sure to rinse the pasta thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky. If you want extra crunch, add some diced cucumbers or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This B.L.T. Pasta Salad is perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks. Serve it alongside grilled meats like Charcoal Grilled Pork Loin (Tenderloin) or as a refreshing side to any main dish. Garnish with extra bacon or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating, as the texture of the lettuce may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B.L.T. Pasta Salad contains roughly 250 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the lettuce just before serving to maintain its crispness. The flavors will meld beautifully if allowed to sit, but avoid letting it sit too long to prevent sogginess.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Wagon-wheel pasta is great for this salad due to its fun shape and ability to hold onto the dressing. However, you can substitute with any short pasta like fusilli or penne if needed. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this B.L.T. Pasta Salad, simply omit the bacon and replace it with roasted chickpeas or diced avocado for added creaminess. You can also enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky taste of bacon.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).