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Easy Crispy BLT Pasta Salad

Easy Crispy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick, budget-friendly pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for weeknights and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 6–8 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) rotini or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 6-8 thick-cut bacon strips in the pan without overlapping. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until crispy but not burnt. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice 2 green onions. Combine all in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and crumbled bacon into the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld while keeping the lettuce crisp. Give it a quick toss right before plating.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diets. Bacon can be swapped with turkey bacon or smoked tempeh for vegetarian options. Avoid overdressing the salad to keep it crisp. Refrigerate before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, crispy bacon salad, quick pasta salad, budget-friendly dinner, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

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