This BLT Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with creamy avocado and tender pasta for a refreshing, satisfying meal.
Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and bacon, fiber from fresh veggies, and heart-healthy fats from avocado, it’s a quick, easy, and nutrient-rich option perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer gatherings.
25-Minute BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl ×1
- Large mixing bowl ×1
- Whisk ×1
- Pot for boiling pasta ×1
- Colander ×1
- Knife ×1
- Cutting board ×1
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¾ tsp dried dill
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 10 oz rotini or small pasta of choice
- 8 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 large avocado chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Dressing:Name: Creamy Herb Dressing PreparationIn a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt and ¼ cup mayonnaise as the creamy base. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh chives and parsley for herbaceous freshness. Add ¾ teaspoon dried dill, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder to enhance the aromatic profile. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Using a whisk, mix all ingredients vigorously until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well-emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set the dressing aside for the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta:Name: Pasta Cooking to Al Dente PerfectionBring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance flavor. Pour in 10 ounces of rotini or small pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente—tender but still slightly firm in the center. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake the colander gently to remove excess water, ensuring the pasta won’t water down the salad. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Pasta with Dressing:Name: Dressing IntegrationPour the prepared herb dressing over the cooled pasta. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the pasta until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure the dressing clings to the spirals of the rotini, infusing each bite with flavor. This step ensures that the salad will be rich, creamy, and evenly seasoned.
- Add Bacon and Fresh Vegetables:Name: Layering the BLT ComponentsTake 8 strips of cooked and chopped bacon and fold them gently into the pasta. Next, add 2 cups of shredded Romaine lettuce, ensuring it’s clean, crisp, and dry. Fold in 2 cups of halved grape tomatoes, which provide juicy bursts of sweetness. Add ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion for a subtle, zesty bite. Finally, gently incorporate 1 large chopped avocado, which brings a creamy, buttery texture. Use a gentle tossing motion to mix all ingredients, keeping the avocado intact to avoid mashing.
- Season and Taste:Name: Final Seasoning and AdjustmentOnce all ingredients are combined, taste the salad carefully.Add additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Stir gently to distribute the seasoning evenly. This final seasoning ensures every forkful has a balanced, flavorful profile.
- Serve and Enjoy:Name: Serving the BLT Pasta SaladTransfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. The salad can be served immediately for a fresh, crisp experience. For meal prep or enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra herbs if desired for a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a creamy, protein-packed, fiber-rich BLT Pasta Salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or summer gatherings.
Notes
- Use rotini or any small pasta such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli for best results.
- Ensure bacon is crispy but not burnt for maximum flavor and texture.
- Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Chop avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- For a lighter version, reduce or omit mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt.
- Adjust seasoning gradually; fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the flavors.
- Can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.
- Great for meal prep—store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Salad
To achieve a BLT Pasta Salad with maximum flavor and texture, focus on freshness and proper layering.
Crisp bacon provides savory crunch, while freshly shredded Romaine adds a crisp bite.
Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should remain slightly firm to maintain structure in the salad.
Preparing the dressing ahead allows the herbs and spices to infuse for a richer flavor. When mixing, fold gently to keep avocado chunks intact.
Finally, season in layers—taste after each addition to balance flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This BLT Pasta Salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes.
Serve it as a standalone lunch or light dinner with crusty bread or garlic toast.
For a summer barbecue, it complements grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
You can also serve it in individual bowls for meal prep or picnic-friendly portions, making it ideal for both casual and festive occasions.
Storage Tips For Best Results
Store your BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To maintain the freshness of avocado, store it separately and fold in just before serving.
Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado will be compromised.
If preparing ahead for a party, store the dressing and pasta separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad crisp and creamy.
Always give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute flavors evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a protein boost. You can also use smoked tempeh for a smoky flavor similar to bacon.
2. What pasta works best for this salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne work best because they hold the dressing well and mix evenly with the vegetables. Avoid delicate pasta, which may become mushy.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the pasta and make the dressing in advance, but add lettuce and avocado just before serving to maintain freshness. Bacon can also be pre-cooked and stored separately.
4. How do I keep avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, chop the avocado just before serving. You can also lightly toss avocado pieces in lemon or lime juice, which slows oxidation and keeps them looking vibrant.
5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep. Store the salad in airtight containers, keeping dressing separate if possible. Assemble fully before eating to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
