If a classic BLT sandwich and a cold pasta salad had a love child, this would be it—minus the soggy bread and plus a whole lot of creamy, bacon-y goodness. This ultimate BLT pasta salad with ranch dressing is basically a sandwich in a bowl, packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. Oh, and let’s not forget the secret weapons: avocado for extra creaminess and bacon grease for next-level flavor (because why waste liquid gold?).
I first made this for a summer potluck where everyone brought the usual suspects—coleslaw, potato salad, something suspiciously labeled “grandma’s surprise.” But guess what disappeared first? This BLT pasta salad. The combo of tangy tomato, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing wrapped around spiraled pasta is just irresistible. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and tastes like summer in a bowl. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch—this stuff vanishes fast.
BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (keep 1 tablespoon of the grease, optional)
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta cooked and cooled (about 4 ½ cups cooked)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ avocado diced
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- Chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and 1 tablespoon of warm (not hot) bacon grease until smooth.½ cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup ranch dressing, 10 slices bacon
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cools, dice the tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Shred the cheddar cheese and crumble the cooked bacon.1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes, ⅓ cup diced red onion, ½ avocado, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Add the Dressing & Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Add Avocado & Lettuce: Gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped romaine lettuce right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately.Chopped fresh parsley
- Make-Ahead Tip: If preparing in advance, store the salad and dressing separately. Add lettuce and avocado just before serving to prevent wilting and browning.
BLT Pasta Salad: Tips, Tricks & Swaps – Because I’ve Made This More Times Than I Can Count
So, you’re making BLT Pasta Salad—good choice! I’ve made this dish more times than I care to admit, and I’ve picked up some golden nuggets of wisdom along the way to make sure your salad turns out perfectly crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid a soggy disaster and make this Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato-Pasta masterpiece the star of your BBQ or potluck.
🍝 Don’t Overcook the Pasta (Seriously, Just Don’t)
Soft, overcooked pasta will turn into a sad, mushy mess once mixed with the dressing. You want it al dente—aka firm but not crunchy. The dressing will soften it a little as it sits, so give it some backbone from the start.
🥓 The Secret Weapon? Bacon Grease!
If you’re already cooking bacon, why waste the liquid gold? Stir a tablespoon of warm (not hot!) bacon grease into the dressing for extra smoky, salty goodness. If this step offends your “clean eating” soul, just pretend I didn’t say anything.
🥑 Avocado = Instant Creamy Upgrade
A BLT without avocado? Tragic. It adds the perfect creamy bite, but let’s be real—avocados have a 5-minute window between being rock-hard and completely useless. Dice it at the last second or toss it with a little lime juice to slow down the browning.
🍅 Tomatoes: Fresh is Best (But There’s a Backup Plan)
Use ripe, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes since they don’t get watery. But if your tomatoes are sad and mealy, roast them in the oven for a few minutes. Boom—flavor explosion and texture upgrade.
🥬 Lettuce Timing is Everything
Lettuce in a pasta salad? Risky move. If you mix it in too early, you’ll end up with limp, sad greens. Stir it in right before serving to keep things crisp and fresh.
🧀 Cheese: Because More Cheese = Better Life
Cheddar is the classic move here, but feel free to get fancy—pepper jack for spice, feta for a salty kick, or even mozzarella pearls for a creamy bite. This is pasta salad, not rocket science.
⏳ Make it Ahead (With One Catch)
Want to prep this in advance? Do it! But DON’T add the lettuce and avocado until the last minute, or you’ll regret it. Also, pasta soaks up dressing like a sponge, so be ready to add a little extra before serving.
🔄 Easy Swaps & Add-Ins
- 🦃 Not into pork? Swap in turkey bacon or crispy pancetta.
- 🍗 Need more protein? Grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs turn this into a full meal.
- 🥕 Extra veggies? Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots work great.
- 🥖 Craving crunch? Toss in some croutons for that sandwich-in-a-bowl effect.
There you go—BLT Pasta Salad wisdom, straight from the trenches. Now go forth, crisp up some bacon, and make a salad that’ll disappear faster than you can say, “Wait, is there any left?” 🚀
