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BLT Pasta Salad

Refreshing BLT Pasta Salad for a Perfect Summer Feast

This BLT Pasta Salad captures summer flavors, combining bacon, tomatoes, and pasta for a refreshing and easy dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Rotini or Bowtie Pasta Any pasta shape can work.
  • 6 slices Bacon Crispy and smoky.
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Chopped.
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce Chopped, add just before serving.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Or use more mayonnaise.
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh is best.
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp Warm Bacon Fat Can substitute with olive oil.
  • 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper To taste.
  • 1 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar Any light vinegar can be used.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water, then set aside to cool.
  2. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy. Drain excess grease, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, and crumble bacon.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice. Gradually mix in the reserved bacon fat. Add cracked black pepper to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and drizzle with white wine vinegar. Pour half of the dressing over the pasta and toss gently.
  5. Fold in cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese into the pasta mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, add chopped romaine and crumbled bacon to the salad. Toss with the remaining dressing and serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for a few hours for enhanced flavor. Add crunchy ingredients just before serving to keep them fresh.

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