25-Minute BLT Pasta Salad

Ruth M. Moran

A quick, creamy BLT Pasta Salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh Romaine, grape tomatoes, and avocado tossed with pasta and a tangy herb dressing.

High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is perfect for easy weeknight meals, meal prep, or summer gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Salad / Side Dish / Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6

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 Preparation
In 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 Perfection
Bring 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 Integration
Pour 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 Components
Take 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 Adjustment
Once 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 Salad
Transfer 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