BLT Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.6
BLT Pasta Salad
Description
This salad starts with a homemade ranch dressing created by whisking ranch seasoning with whole milk and mayonnaise, then chilled to thicken. Bow tie pasta is cooked until tender, rinsed, and combined with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly ground black pepper. Tossing with most of the ranch dressing allows the flavors to meld while the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce.
Just before serving, crisp cooked bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and fresh parsley are folded in along with any leftover dressing. The salad features contrasting textures of tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and savory bacon.
This versatile salad works well for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners. It can be made ahead, keeping components separate if desired to retain crispness, and then combined when ready to serve. Substitutions for the ranch mix with fresh ranch dressing can enhance flavor further.
Ingredients
Ranch Dressing:
- 1 (1 ounce) Ranch dressing mix package, dry
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lb bow tie pasta farfalle pasta
- 1 1/2 /2 cups tomatoes halved, cherry or grape
- 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 pound Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 /2 cup parsley flat leaf, finely chopped
Instructions
- For the Ranch dressing: Whisk together the Ranch dressing mix, milk, and mayonnaise. Chill at least 30 minutes in the fridge to thicken.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the hot pasta from cooking further.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, tomatoes, red onion, and pepper. Toss with the Ranch dressing, reserving 1/2 cup for later. Chill until ready to serve. Right before serving add the cooked bacon, lettuce, and parsley tossing well. Add the remaining dressing if needed as the pasta will soak up the dressing.
Notes
- Homemade ranch dressing made from packet mix offers a convenient yet flavorful dressing option.
- Fresh, bottled ranch dressing can be used instead for superior flavor.
- Prepare the salad ahead and add bacon and lettuce just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1grams |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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