BLT Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.6
BLT Pasta Salad
Description
This BLT Pasta Salad recipe uses cellentani or similar short pasta cooked to tender yet firm texture and cooled under cold water. Crispy cooked bacon is chopped and mixed with diced Roma tomatoes and bite-sized romaine lettuce pieces. The ranch dressing binds the ingredients, providing a creamy tang that contrasts with the fresh vegetables and smoky bacon.
The salad balances textures—pasta’s soft bite, bacon’s crispness, and fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes—creating a varied mouthfeel. Chopped chives garnish the top, adding an herbal, mild onion note to round out the flavors. The salad is prepared by mixing most ingredients together and reserving some tomatoes and bacon to garnish.
Serving immediately preserves the crispness of the lettuce and tomatoes. For make-ahead preparation, keep ingredients separately chilled and combine just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain freshness. This salad pairs well as a side dish for lighter meals or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cellentani pasta (or other short pasta)
- 9 trips Bacon center cut
- 1 cup ranch dressing homemade
- 4 Roma tomato seeds, removed & diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, place bacon in unheated skillet. Then cook until crispy over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, rough chop the bacon.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the pasta and ranch dressing. Stir until pasta is coated.
- Add most of the tomatoes, lettuce, and most of the bacon to the pasta. Gently stir to combine and coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish the top of the pasta salad with reserved tomatoes, bacon, and chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepare and store all ingredients separately in the refrigerator if making ahead to keep lettuce crisp and salad fresh.
- Combine the pasta salad ingredients just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 458 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 458kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 714mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 370mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1770IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 6.8mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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