Name: Summer BLT Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 6 strips crispy bacon, chopped; 2 cups vine-ripened tomatoes, diced; 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe

When summer rolls around, it’s like nature throws a party and invites all the best flavors. Imagine biting into a bowl of Summer BLT Pasta Salad, where crispy bacon meets juicy tomatoes and fresh lettuce, all tangled in perfectly cooked pasta. delicious street corn pasta salad The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and bringing back memories of backyard barbecues and lazy picnics under the sun. grilled corn avocado pasta salad This dish is not just a salad; it’s an edible hug on a hot day, ready to make any gathering a celebration.

As you mix these vibrant ingredients together, you can almost hear the laughter of friends and family echoing in the background. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon by the pool or a casual dinner on your patio, this Summer BLT Pasta Salad is sure to steal the show. hearty cowboy caviar pasta salad Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful Summer BLT Pasta Salad is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy summer days
Its fresh flavors create an exciting taste experience that appeals to everyone
The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing and appetizing on any table
Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course, it fits any occasion perfectly

Last summer, I made this recipe for a small gathering with friends, and let me tell you – it was gone faster than my attempts at adulting! Everyone loved it so much that I was hailed as the “Pasta King” for at least a week.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Any short pasta works well; I prefer rotini because it holds onto the dressing beautifully.
Crispy Bacon: Cook until perfectly crunchy; nothing beats that smoky flavor in every bite!
Ripe Tomatoes: Use vine-ripened tomatoes for that sweet burst of summer goodness.
Fresh Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg adds crunch; choose what you love best.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand to bind everything together; homemade is always a hit if you’re feeling fancy.
Green Onions: Chopped finely for added freshness and mild onion flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; don’t skimp on this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling like lava, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Crisp the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove from pan and let them drain on paper towels; then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare Vegetables: While bacon cools, chop your tomatoes and lettuce into bite-sized chunks. Slice green onions thinly to add that extra zesty kick.

Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with tomatoes, lettuce, bacon pieces, and green onions. Gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution of all those delicious flavors.

Add Dressing: In another bowl, mix mayonnaise with salt and pepper until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over your pasta salad. Fold gently until everything is coated evenly — think of it as giving your salad a refreshing spa treatment! For more inspiration, check out this refreshing cucumber salad recipe.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

And there you have it! A Summer BLT Pasta Salad that’s not only tasty but also an absolute joy to make. classic dill pickle pasta salad Serve it chilled on hot days or enjoy it as leftovers (if there are any left).

You Must Know

This delightful Summer BLT Pasta Salad combines fresh flavors and textures
Customize it based on seasonal ingredients
The vibrant colors and aromas make it a showstopper at any gathering, perfect for both picnics and barbecues

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool before mixing in other ingredients for the best flavor blend.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ingredients like using turkey bacon or adding avocado for creaminess. Get creative with herbs for extra flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Summer BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold, no reheating necessary.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best flavor, let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving
Use fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant kick
Make sure to season well, as pasta absorbs salt easily!

Sharing a memorable moment when I made this pasta salad for a family BBQ, everyone couldn’t stop raving about its freshness and flavor; it became an instant favorite.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Summer BLT Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well and maintains great texture in the salad.

What dressing do you recommend for the salad?

A simple vinaigrette or ranch dressing complements the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Replace bacon with smoked tempeh and use plant-based mayo or yogurt for creaminess.