BLT PASTA SALAD
BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring the beloved flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato combined with rotini pasta and a creamy ranch dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and vibrant flavors, this BLT Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Why Make BLT Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad offers a creative and flavorful alternative to traditional salads, combining the familiar tastes of a BLT sandwich with the heartiness of pasta. The creamy ranch dressing adds a delicious tanginess to the salad, while the combination of ingredients provides a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal on its own, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain again. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked and chopped bacon, finely diced red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, avocado pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and torn romaine lettuce to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the chilled dressing mixture over the salad ingredients. Use tongs to gently toss the salad until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the BLT Pasta Salad immediately, garnished with extra parsley or bacon bits if desired.
Serving Suggestions
BLT Pasta Salad is perfect for serving at picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal. This salad also makes a delicious light lunch or dinner option on its own.
Storage Info
Store any leftover BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the presence of avocado, it is best to consume the salad within a day to prevent the avocado from browning. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving any leftovers to redistribute the dressing.
Techniques or Tips
- For added flavor, you can cook the bacon until crispy or leave it slightly chewy, depending on your preference.
- Make sure to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize the salad by adding additional ingredients such as diced grilled chicken, black olives, or croutons.
FAQs about BLT Pasta Salad
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this salad, such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta.
- Can I make the dressing from scratch instead of using a packet? Yes, you can make homemade ranch dressing by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and various herbs and spices. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to toss them together just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce box Rotini Pasta, cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water
- 13 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ large red onion, finely diced
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, cut into cubes (measured after it’s cubed)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, cut or torn into bite-size pieces (measured after it’s in pieces)
- 1 avocado, cut into small pieces
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half (measured after cut in half)
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 1 1-ounce packet Hidden Valley Dressing Mix, dry
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Use a whisk to mix together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Cook rotini pasta per package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add cooked and chopped bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, avocado, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and romaine lettuce. Pour dressing mix over ingredients. Use tongs to gently toss salad until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
