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Easy Creamy BLT Cold Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy summer salad combining classic BLT flavors with pasta and a creamy dressing, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a light, refreshing, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 strips of bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and halve 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes. Chop 2 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Chop fresh herbs if using.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Add fresh herbs and toss again.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Add lettuce just before serving for best crunch.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in extra mayo or a splash of milk. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for dairy-free options. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT salad, pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, quick salad, bacon salad, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-creamy-blt-cold-pasta-salad-recipe-15-minutes-perfect-summer-dish/