Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad: A Simple Weeknight Win

I know exactly how it feels to stare into the fridge at 6 PM, totally exhausted, wondering how to pull dinner together. When I first moved to the U.S., navigating new grocery stores and busy schedules made cooking feel like a massive chore. But I promise you, getting a comforting meal on the table doesn’t have to be stressful.

That is why I am so obsessed with this BLT pasta salad. It brings together the cozy familiarity of a classic sandwich with the heartiness of a pasta dinner. Best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes to make. Whether you need a quick weeknight win or a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, this recipe is here to save the day.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad (Our Unique Twist!)

I have tried my fair share of pasta salads, but this one holds a special place in my heart. Most recipes just toss cold ingredients together, but my method is a little different to ensure maximum flavor. Here is why this bowl of goodness is about to become your new favorite:

• The “Hot Toss” Technique: Unlike most salads where you rinse the pasta cold, I toss the hot pasta directly with the dressing and cheese. This allows the noodles to absorb the creamy sauce and slightly melt the spicy cheddar for an incredible texture.
• A Green Goddess Ranch Twist: Instead of store-bought dressing, I use a homemade blend packed with fresh basil, cilantro, and jalapeño. It brings a vibrant, fresh kick that cuts through the creaminess.
• Texture Heaven: We don’t settle for soggy salads here. The crunch of fresh romaine, the crisp smoked beef bacon, and the pop of grilled corn create the perfect bite every time.
• Versatile Serving Options: You can serve this warm for a comforting dinner or cold for a refreshing lunch. It is truly the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for Your Best BLT Pasta Salad

Here is everything you need to grab from your kitchen or the store. I keep this list simple but full of flavor.

The Dressing:

• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
• 1 jalapeño, seeded, if desired
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• kosher salt and black pepper

The Salad Base & Mix-ins:

• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups grilled corn ((about 3 ears))
• 8 slices cooked smoked beef bacon, crumbled
• 1 avocado, diced

Equipment Essentials for Making BLT Pasta Salad

You do not need a fancy kitchen to make delicious food, but having the right tools helps. Here are the essentials I use to keep things running smoothly.

• Large Pot: You need plenty of room to boil your pasta properly.
• High-Speed Blender: This is crucial for getting that herb-packed dressing perfectly smooth and green. Link: My favorite reliable blender.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Since we toss everything together, get the biggest bowl you have to avoid spills.
• Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Sheet Pan: Essential for cooking your smoked beef bacon until it is perfectly crisp.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Just follow these steps, and you will have a beautiful meal ready in no time.

1. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the hot pasta with dressing and cubes of cheese. Mix in the lettuce, tomatoes, corn, smoked beef bacon, and avocado, gently tossing to combine.
4. Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits. If serving later, add the smoked beef bacon and avocado just before serving.

Tips for Success: Achieving the Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad

I want you to feel totally confident when you step into the kitchen. Over the years, I have learned a few tricks that turn a “good” salad into a “great” one. Here is how to nail this recipe.

Perfectly Crispy Bacon, Every Time

The bacon provides the essential crunch and saltiness for a BLT pasta salad. Since I use smoked beef bacon, I find it crisps up beautifully in the oven. Lay the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Watch it closely near the end so it doesn’t burn. If you prefer the stovetop, use medium heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. You want it shattered and crispy, not chewy, to contrast with the soft pasta.

Cooking Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Mushy pasta is the enemy of a good salad. Check the package instructions for the “al dente” time and set your timer for one minute less to start testing. You want a slight bite to the noodle. Since we are tossing the pasta hot in this specific recipe, do not rinse it! The starch on the hot pasta helps the dressing cling, and the heat helps the spicy cheddar soften slightly.

Crafting Your Creamy BLT Dressing

The dressing is the soul of this dish. If your dressing looks too thick after blending, add another splash of buttermilk to thin it out. If it is too thin, a spoonful more of Greek yogurt will help. Taste as you go! I love the kick from the jalapeño, but if you are serving kids or prefer milder food, remove all the seeds and white ribs from the pepper before blending.

Choosing Your Pasta: Best Shapes for BLT Pasta Salad

The shape of your pasta matters more than you might think. For this salad, you want short shapes that can “catch” the dressing and the small bits of bacon and corn.

I recommend using rotini (corkscrews), cavatappi, or medium shells. These shapes have nooks and crannies that hold onto that delicious green sauce. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they prevent you from getting a perfect bite containing the lettuce, tomato, and bacon all at once.

BLT Pasta Salad Flavor Customization Station

One of the things I love about cooking is making a recipe my own. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to fit your taste buds.

Healthier Swaps & Dietary Adaptations for BLT Pasta Salad

I believe comfort food can fit any lifestyle. Here are some easy swaps if you need to adjust the recipe for dietary needs.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for BLT Pasta Salad

Life gets busy, and sometimes we need to prep dinner before the chaos starts. You can definitely prep parts of this BLT pasta salad in advance.

The dressing can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in a jar in the fridge; strictly speaking, the flavors actually get better over time. If you want to assemble the salad later, cook the pasta and toss it with the dressing, but leave out the lettuce, bacon, and avocado.

Store the base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, stir in the shredded romaine, crumbled bacon, and fresh avocado. This prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and the avocado from turning brown. If you have leftovers completely mixed, they are best eaten within 24 hours.

What to Serve with Your BLT Pasta Salad

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes.

• Summer Grilling: It is the perfect side dish for grilled steak skewers or BBQ chicken thighs.
• Refreshing Drinks: Serve this with a tall glass of iced tea with lemon or a sparkling berry lemonade to cut through the richness of the cheddar and bacon.
• Vegetable Sides: A simple platter of sliced cucumbers or a fruit salad with watermelon makes for a light, fresh accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions about BLT Pasta Salad

I get a lot of questions about tweaking this recipe, so I put together some answers to help you out.

Can I use different types of lettuce in BLT Pasta Salad?

Absolutely. I use romaine because it stays crunchy even when mixed with dressing. You could use iceberg for a similar crunch. I would avoid delicate greens like baby spinach or arugula if you are tossing them with hot pasta, as they will wilt immediately and lose their texture.

Can this BLT Pasta Salad recipe be doubled or halved?

Yes, it scales very easily. If you are cooking for just one or two people, you can halve the ingredients. For a big party, double everything. Just make sure you use a very large mixing bowl or toss it in two batches so you don’t make a mess!

How long does BLT pasta salad last in the fridge?

Once fully assembled with the lettuce and avocado, it is best enjoyed the same day. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just know that the lettuce will lose its crunch. To keep it fresh longer (3-4 days), store the dressing, pasta, and chop-ins separately.

Conclusion

I hope this BLT pasta salad brings a little bit of joy and ease to your kitchen. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. You have the power to create a delicious, comforting meal that your family will love, even on the busiest nights.

I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below if you have questions or if you tried a fun variation. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag Aisha Recipes on social media so I can celebrate your kitchen win with you. And if you want more stress-free dinner ideas sent straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!

BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad combines classic flavors with a creamy, herby dressing. It features short-cut pasta, spicy cheddar, fresh vegetables, and smoky beef bacon, perfect for serving warm or cold.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped chives
• 1 jalapeño seeded, if desired
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Salad Ingredients

• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese
• 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 cups grilled corn (about 3 ears)
• 8 slices cooked smoked beef bacon crumbled
• 1 avocado diced

Equipment

• Blender
• Large Pot
• Large Bowl

Method

 

Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.

Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the short-cut pasta until al dente, then drain.

Assembly

1. In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with the dressing and cubed cheese. Gently mix in the lettuce, tomatoes, corn, smoked beef bacon, and diced avocado.

Serving

1. Serve the salad warm or cold; for best results when serving later, add bacon and avocado just before serving.

Notes

The salad develops more flavor as it sits. If serving later, add the smoked beef bacon and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.