When summer heat has you craving something cool, creamy, and satisfying, this BLT pasta salad delivers all the flavor of your favorite sandwich, plus a few delicious upgrades. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and creamy avocado tossed in a tangy herb dressing, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks and backyard BBQs.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
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Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky bacon, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado creates a mouthwatering experience.
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Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a hearty main course.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
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¾ cup (180 g) plain Greek yogurt
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¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
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2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
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1 tbsp (3 g) chopped chives
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1 tbsp (3 g) chopped parsley
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¾ tsp (1 g) dried dill
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¾ tsp (2 g) garlic powder
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¼ tsp (0.6 g) onion powder
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Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
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10 oz (285 g) rotini pasta or other small pasta
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8 strips of bacon, cooked and chopped
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2 cups (90 g) shredded Romaine lettuce
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2 cups (300 g) halved grape tomatoes
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¼ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 large avocado, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Shake out excess water and place pasta in a large mixing bowl.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and stir to coat evenly. Add chopped bacon, shredded lettuce, grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped avocado to the bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are well distributed and coated in the dressing.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
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Pasta Choices: While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne.
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Bacon Prep: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
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Avocado Freshness: To prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving and toss it gently into the salad.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
A Personal Touch
This BLT pasta salad has become a staple at our family gatherings. The combination of creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies always brings smiles to the table. It’s a dish that embodies the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.
What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad
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Grilled Meats: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a hearty meal.
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Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside a fruit salad or watermelon slices for a refreshing contrast.
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Crusty Bread: Offer some crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy dressing.
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Iced Beverages: Complement with iced tea or lemonade for a classic summer combo.
How to Store
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.
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Make-Ahead Tips: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix it with the pasta and other ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness.
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Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the lettuce and avocado may become unappealing upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great, other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie work well too.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Certainly! Omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I add more protein?
Consider adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
This BLT pasta salad is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, transformed into a refreshing and satisfying summer pasta salad. With its creamy dressing and the addition of avocado, it also doubles as a bacon avocado salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this creamy pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
BLT Pasta Salad: A Creamy Summer Pasta Salad with Bacon, Avocado & Big Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
BLT Pasta Salad is a cool and creamy summer side dish inspired by the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich—upgraded with avocado and a tangy herb dressing. This crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
-
¾ cup (180 g) plain Greek yogurt
-
¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
-
2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
-
1 tbsp (3 g) chopped chives
-
1 tbsp (3 g) chopped parsley
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¾ tsp (1 g) dried dill
-
¾ tsp (2 g) garlic powder
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¼ tsp (0.6 g) onion powder
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Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
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10 oz (285 g) rotini pasta or other small pasta
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8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
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2 cups (90 g) shredded Romaine lettuce
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2 cups (300 g) halved grape tomatoes
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¼ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 large avocado, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, and spices until smooth.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, drain, and place in a large bowl.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the dressing to the pasta and toss to coat. Gently fold in bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
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Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Notes
Use a short pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or penne to hold dressing well.
For extra crisp bacon, oven-bake it on a rack.
Add avocado just before serving to keep it from browning.
Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be used to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake / Boiled Pasta
- Cuisine: American