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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Crunchy Bacon and Fresh Veggies

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad combining crunchy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crunchy and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup crisp iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
  • ½ cup diced cucumber (optional)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then roughly chop once cooled. Alternatively, bake bacon in a 400°F oven on a foil-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Rinse and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Chop 1 cup iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice ½ cup green onions and dice ½ cup cucumber if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, and prepared veggies. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss again and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon until just crispy and drain excess grease to avoid greasiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For lighter dressing, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Bacon should be added just before serving to keep it crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, quick dinner, potluck recipe

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