BLT Pasta Salad - Plain Chicken (2024)

BLT Pasta Salad Recipe – all the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich in pasta salad form. Tender pasta, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress. Try this crowd-pleasing recipe today and watch it become a new favorite!

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BLT Macaroni Salad

One bite of this BLT Pasta Salad, and it is sure to become a family favorite. Tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s effortless to make and bursting with flavor. Serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ, or add some grilled chicken to turn it into a delicious main dish! No matter how you serve this dish, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

This side dish is easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Cook bacon slices in a large skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta to the pot and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool.

Using a sharp knife, chop the lettuce and green onions and place them in a large bowl. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl. Add the cooked pasta and bacon and toss.

In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayo, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with parsley.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Can substitute turkey bacon for lower calories.
• I use iceberg lettuce. You can substitute romaine lettuce.
• Variations/Additions:
  • red onion
  • avocado
  • cheddar cheese
  • dill
  • parsley
  • grilled chicken
• I use rotini pasta in this dish, but you can use any cooked pasta. Farfalle, elbow macaroni, penne pasta, or bowtie pasta all work great in this dish.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/copycat-outback-ranch-dressing/
• Can I make BLT Pasta Salad in advance? Yes. You can make the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • If you are serving this the next day, I suggest waiting to add the lettuce until just before you serve the pasta.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy pasta salad recipe is a staple at all of our summer BBQs and potlucks. It goes great with a variety of dishes.

• Start with a classic side like garlic bread or garlic knots, offering a warm and savory accompaniment that perfectly contrasts the cool creaminess of the pasta salad.
• For those craving something heartier, consider grilled chicken or BBQ pulled pork. Their smoky flavors meld seamlessly with the savory notes of the macaroni salad.
• Another fantastic option is to whip up some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, seasoned to perfection and bursting with smoky flavor to accompany the dish.

With these delicious options, this pasta salad becomes the centerpiece of a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Looking for more easy pasta salad recipes? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

Steph