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Crispy BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Tomato Dressing

Crispy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy creamy tomato dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups romaine or leaf lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in the pan without overlapping. Cook until crispy, about 4–6 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  4. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and chop 4 cups of romaine or leaf lettuce. Thinly slice 1/4 cup green onions if using. Grate 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheddar. Add the crispy bacon pieces last.
  6. Pour the creamy tomato dressing over the salad. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the tomatoes or wilt the lettuce.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Give it a gentle stir just before serving.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of cold water to loosen. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent stickiness. Cook bacon low and slow for best crispiness. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising tomatoes or wilting lettuce. Make salad at least 20 minutes ahead for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut cream and use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy tomato dressing, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

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