BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad brings together the rich flavors of bacon, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes, all in a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and freshness that makes for an irresistible dish.

What’s great about this pasta salad is how easy it is to prepare. It’s a versatile recipe, too! You can serve it as a light lunch, a side dish for your next BBQ, or as part of a summer picnic spread. The creamy dressing ties it all together, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (any type)
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal
Servings: 4 servings

When it comes to making an impression with food, sometimes the simplest dishes can create the biggest impact. This BLT Pasta Salad is a perfect example of how combining classic ingredients into a single dish can elevate your meal experience. Inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, this pasta salad offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds, making it ideal for picnics, BBQs, and casual family dinners.

Why This BLT Pasta Salad is the Best Choice for Any Occasion

This BLT Pasta Salad is more than just a simple dish – it’s a flavorful, refreshing twist on a beloved classic. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a rich dressing creates a satisfying and hearty meal that’s both comforting and light. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family meal, a BBQ with friends, or a picnic in the park, this pasta salad is versatile and appealing to all kinds of palates.

One of the standout benefits of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It’s quick, easy, and requires very little cooking, which is great for people who don’t have much time but want to serve something homemade and delicious.

The Ingredients: A Fresh Take on the Classic BLT

At the heart of this dish is the classic BLT combination – bacon, lettuce, and tomato – but with a twist. Instead of bread, pasta serves as the base, allowing you to enjoy these flavors in a completely new form. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch to this salad, making it a great addition to any pasta dish. Not only does it bring flavor, but its texture adds contrast to the softness of the pasta and the creaminess of the avocado.
Avocado: Avocado brings a rich, creamy texture and a subtle buttery flavor to the salad. It balances out the saltiness of the bacon and the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded taste. Plus, avocados are full of healthy fats and are great for heart health.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are the perfect choice here because they burst with flavor and provide a sweet and juicy element to the dish. The acidity from the tomatoes complements the richness of the bacon and avocado, adding a refreshing touch.
Pasta: The pasta serves as a hearty base, absorbing all the flavors of the dressing and ingredients while offering a satisfying bite. Choose your favorite shape of pasta, whether it’s rotini, fusilli, or penne – they all work perfectly.
Dressing: The creamy dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, bringing a balance of tanginess and creaminess that ties everything together. Garlic powder and Dijon mustard provide a bit of zing, while the lemon juice keeps the flavor bright.

A Versatile Dish for Every Season

One of the best aspects of this BLT Pasta Salad is its versatility. It can be customized to fit various dietary preferences and occasions. For example, you can:

Swap the bacon for turkey bacon if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.
Serve it warm by tossing the ingredients with freshly cooked pasta, or enjoy it cold after chilling in the fridge – the choice is yours!

It’s perfect for summer BBQs when you want a dish that’s light yet satisfying. The combination of fresh ingredients is refreshing on a hot day, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or other picnic dishes. The creamy dressing provides just the right amount of indulgence without being overwhelming, so it can easily be part of a healthy, balanced meal.

Health Benefits: Why You Should Include This Salad in Your Diet

Beyond its delicious taste, this BLT Pasta Salad also offers some health benefits when made with the right ingredients. Let’s take a look at a few:

High in Protein: Bacon is an excellent source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues, making this dish a great post-workout meal. Adding a hard-boiled egg or some grilled chicken breast to the salad would further boost the protein content.
Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Full of Vitamins and Antioxidants: The cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, which support the immune system and promote healthy skin. Tomatoes are also full of antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Balanced Meal: With protein from the bacon and healthy fats from the avocado, this salad is well-balanced, offering a satisfying and filling dish that won’t leave you feeling heavy. The pasta offers carbs for energy, while the veggies add fiber, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad a Crowd-Pleaser

When preparing this dish for a crowd, keep a few things in mind to make sure everyone gets a bite of deliciousness:

Adjust the Dressing: If you’re serving a large group, feel free to make extra dressing. Some people like their pasta salad creamier, while others prefer it a bit lighter. The dressing is what brings everything together, so don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit your guests’ preferences.
Add Toppings for Extra Flavor: If you’re looking to jazz it up, consider adding a sprinkle of grated cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, over the top of the salad before serving. It adds a nice salty bite to the dish.
Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, chill the pasta salad in the fridge for about an hour before serving. This allows the dressing to fully coat the pasta, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it makes for a refreshing dish on hot days!

Serving Suggestions

This BLT Pasta Salad makes a fantastic side dish, but it can also be served as a light meal on its own. Here are some ideas for what to pair it with:

Grilled Meats: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or even burgers. The richness of the pasta salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled meat.
Other Salads: Combine it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing meal that covers all your bases.
Drinks: Serve it with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete summer experience.

Conclusion

BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It takes the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich and gives them a refreshing, light twist. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, a picnic, or a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to please your guests and leave them coming back for more. It’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable, making it the perfect go-to salad for any meal.

With its balanced flavors, ease of preparation, and health benefits, this BLT Pasta Salad is truly a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. Try it today and watch it become your new favorite summer dish!

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