This BLT pasta salad is what I turn to when it’s too hot to cook and I want to make something that actually tastes like summer. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with a creamy dressing—all wrapped up in cold pasta form? It’s the kind of dish that disappears before you’ve even had time to explain what’s in it. We’ve all seen a million pasta salad recipes. But this one’s different—it’s crunchy, creamy, smoky, fresh, and seriously comforting. Whether you need recipes pasta salad fans will actually rave about or you’re looking to switch up your summer pasta salad recipes, this one’s an easy win. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or lazy days when turning on the oven just isn’t happening. If you’re someone who’s always hunting for that one magical recipe pasta salad dream that satisfies picky eaters and impresses guests alike—yeah, this is it. It’s that dish. Trust me.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad
4) How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
5) Tips for Making BLT Pasta Salad
6) Making BLT Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover BLT Pasta Salad
8) Try these Lunch recipes next!
9) BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Learn how to make a creamy, crunchy, and savory pasta salad with a BLT twist
Discover tips on how to prep and store it for weekday meals or cookouts
Understand why this salad hits the spot for summer lunches or picnics
Use our shortcuts and ingredient swaps for a no-fuss prep experience

2) Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

BLT pasta salad has become one of those go-to dishes we make when our brains are fried and we just need something simple that still feels like a meal. The kind of recipe that doesn’t ask much from us but gives back in flavor tenfold. What’s great about this is how it blends that creamy dressing with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—stuff we already love in a sandwich—then pairs it with tender pasta. It’s salad ideas like this that make weekdays feel a little less routine.

This isn’t one of those pasta salad recipes that turns to mush in the fridge. The romaine keeps its texture, and the sauce clings to the pasta just enough to stay flavorful without going soggy. Whether you’ve got guests coming or you’re just craving something cool and homemade, this pasta salad recipe fits the moment.

When we think of recipe pasta salad favorites, this one sits right at the top. It’s one of those summer pasta salad recipes you’ll find yourself making more than once. Probably more than five times, let’s be honest.

3) Ingredients for BLT Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta: This pasta’s twisty shape holds on to the dressing better than the smoother kinds. We like that it’s sturdy, never too soft, and easy to find in just about any store.

Bacon: Crunchy, smoky, and savory, bacon gives this salad the “B” in BLT and the flavor that hooks people with the first bite. Cook it crisp and crumble it right over the cooled pasta.

Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweet juice and cut through the creaminess of the dressing. Slice them in half to let them mingle with every forkful.

Cheddar Cheese: We like the sharp kind shredded small so it blends well without overpowering. It melts just slightly into the pasta when you mix everything warm, and that’s the magic.

Mayonnaise: This is the base of the dressing. Creamy and tangy, it brings everything together without trying too hard.

Sour Cream: Adds that little zing that makes the dressing feel more complex. It plays well with the mayo and lightens it up a bit.

White Vinegar: A splash wakes up the creamy mix and cuts through the richness. Don’t skip this step—it makes a difference.

Salt and Black Pepper: Keep it simple and adjust to taste. You need a little salt to bring out the best in the bacon and cheese.

Romaine Lettuce: The crunch in this pasta salad comes from fresh romaine. Add it last so it doesn’t get limp, especially if you’re prepping ahead.

4) How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook your rotini in salted water until it’s just barely tender. Drain it and run it under cool water, then let it sit out to dry completely. Pasta that’s too wet waters down the dressing—trust me, I learned that the messy way.

Step 2: Fry up the bacon until it’s good and crisp. Lay it on paper towels to drain the grease. When it’s cool, crumble it with your hands or chop it with a knife. We want bite-sized pieces, not bacon dust.

Step 3: Mix up the dressing in a big bowl. Stir together the mayo, sour cream, white vinegar, and a good hit of black pepper. Taste it now so you’re not second-guessing later.

Step 4: Add the pasta, bacon, sliced cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything gently, folding it over and over until the dressing coats every noodle.

Step 5: Toss in the chopped romaine lettuce just before you serve. This is key. You want the salad ideas that pop—not soggy greens that disappear into the mix.

5) Tips for Making BLT Pasta Salad

Let your pasta cool completely before mixing. Warm pasta will soak up the dressing too fast and leave you with dry salad by the time you serve it. We give ours a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and then let it rest while we prep everything else.

Use thick-cut bacon if you can. It holds up better in pasta salad, and the pieces stay meaty instead of turning to crumbs. If you like shortcuts, try cooking the bacon in the oven—it’s less messy and frees up your stove.

Taste your dressing before adding it to the pasta. That way you can adjust the seasoning while it’s still in the bowl. Once it’s all mixed, it’s harder to fix. These kinds of recipes for pasta salad really shine when the balance of creaminess and tang is just right.

6) Making BLT Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

We’ve made this a day ahead with great results. Just keep the lettuce out until right before serving. Mix everything else, cover the bowl tightly, and pop it in the fridge. If you’re prepping this for a picnic or work lunch, store the lettuce and the salad in separate containers.

The pasta absorbs some of the dressing overnight. Stir in an extra spoonful or two before serving to bring it back to life. That creamy texture returns in seconds.

It’s always good to make things ahead when you can. For pasta salad recipes like this, those hours in the fridge help the flavors mingle. It tastes even better the next day.

7) Storing Leftover BLT Pasta Salad

Leftovers go into a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to four days, but the lettuce will wilt if it’s mixed in. If you know you’ll have extra, keep the lettuce out and stir it in just before you eat again.

Don’t reheat this. It’s meant to be cold and refreshing. That’s part of what makes it so easy and low-stress. Perfect for those days when the last thing you want is to turn on the stove.

Try packing individual servings for the week. Having grab-and-go lunches or sides makes everything a little smoother. Just don’t forget to keep a little cup of extra dressing on the side.

8) Try these Lunch recipes next!

9) BLT Pasta Salad Recipe