BLT Pasta Salad

Pasta salads have carved out a beloved niche in the world of culinary delights, celebrated for their versatility and ability to please a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or enjoying a relaxed picnic in the park, pasta salads serve as the perfect dish to share. They offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them not only a practical choice for gatherings but also a canvas for creativity in the kitchen.

Discover the deliciously simple BLT Pasta Salad Delight, a perfect addition to any gathering. This refreshing dish combines the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with spiraled rotini pasta for a delightful blend of textures and tastes. With minimal prep, it's easy to whip up this crowd-pleaser in advance. Packed with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, it's not just a salad; it's a comforting reminder of home-cooked favorites that everyone will love. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying main course.

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Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added richness)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the pasta too much.

Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, then garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Enjoy: This delightful pasta salad can be served chilled as a colorful side dish at your next barbecue, picnic, or potluck, or enjoy it as a refreshing light lunch on its own!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings