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BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy BLT Pasta Salad combines crispy smoked turkey bacon, crunchy fresh vegetables, and a tangy plant-based dressing for a refreshing and flavorful summer dish. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or light lunches, it offers vibrant colors and textures that bring the classic BLT sandwich flavors to life in a new, satisfying pasta salad form.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1½ cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing

  • ½ cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook your penne or rotini pasta until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly, which helps keep the salad fresh and light.
  2. Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
  3. Chop the Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the red onion finely, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Tear the fresh basil leaves for a bright herbaceous touch. These fresh ingredients will add texture and vibrant color to the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper. Whisk until creamy and smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This dressing gives the BLT Pasta Salad its delicious tangy flavor.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, fresh vegetables, and basil. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is coated evenly. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use chilled pasta: Cooling the pasta under cold water prevents it from clumping and keeps the salad refreshing.
  • Pat bacon dry: Removing excess grease ensures the salad doesn’t become oily and soggy.
  • Prep ahead: Make the dressing in advance to let flavors deepen for a tastier salad.
  • Toss gently: Using a light hand helps keep the fresh vegetables crisp and prevents breakage.
  • Serve chilled: This salad is best enjoyed cold or slightly cool for that perfect summer bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, plant-based dressing salad, picnic salad, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/blt-pasta-salad/