Creamy Crunchy BLT Pasta Salad
A quick and easy 5-ingredient summer side dish combining creamy mayo-based dressing, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tender pasta for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped cherry tomatoes or green onions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8 minutes). Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Wash and dry 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce thoroughly. Add chopped cherry tomatoes or green onions if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, and shredded lettuce. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir until everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and sogginess. Cook bacon until very crispy and add just before serving to maintain crunch. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes or green onions add freshness and color. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or crispy chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, 5-ingredient salad