BLT Pasta Salad

This Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe will be the side dish star of your BBQ or potluck! This is the absolute best pasta salad recipe with tender pasta mixed with bacon, spinach, tomatoes, and an amazingly delicious ranch dressing.

Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step

This BLT Pasta Salad is hands down my absolute favorite pasta salad recipe.

I have a ton of pasta salads on this site but this one definitely holds the number one spot! All the amazing flavors of a BLT sandwich, mixed with pasta and a super tangy ranch dressing mixture! If you are a BLT fan or have lots of summer tomatoes to use, try these BLT Potato Skins or  BLT Pinwheels.

What is in a BLT?

Traditionally, a BLT has bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The first time I made this salad, we all instantly fell in love with the creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and freshness of the tomatoes and spinach! If you have lots of garden tomatoes, this is the perfect way to use them! No cooking required! I subbed the traditional lettuce in a BLT for spinach as it holds up better and doesn’t get soggy and gross. Any leafy green will work but I think spinach is definitely the best. You could throw in kale too if you are a fan!

This easy side dish recipe is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or for taking to a potluck. It is always a hit anywhere I take it! When making the dressing, feel free to sub sour cream or Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. You can use low fat or fat free as well.

Can you use other pasta shapes to make BLT Pasta Salad?

Yes! Macaroni noodles, penne noodles, or even mini rigatoni would be good! The farfalle holds the dressing well which is why I always use it, but use what you have!

Need an amazing summer salad recipe for your next party or picnic? Everyone will love this amazing BLT Pasta Salad full of fresh summer flavors, topped with a ranch dressing mixture!

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BLT Pasta Salad

This amazing pasta salad recipe is like your favorite BLT sandwich, in salad form!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword BLT Pasta Salad

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Servings 6 people

Author Amanda @ Old House to New Home

Ingredients

• 12 oz. farfalle pasta noodles
• 10 slices of bacon cooked crisp and then broken into pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
• 2 cups of baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• For the dressing:
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 1 heaping tbsp. mayonnaise can sub sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp. dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to instructions and drain well when finished.
2. While pasta cooks, add quartered tomatoes and cooked bacon to a mixing bowl.
3. In a small bowl, add all the dressing ingredients and whisk until combined.
4. Once pasta is finished, add it to the bowl of bacon and tomatoes. Stir well and then add half the dressing. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. One hour before serving, add the spinach and the remaining dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to the fridge until ready to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to customize the BLT Pasta Salad or accommodate dietary preferences, try these simple yet impactful swaps:

Leafy greens: The original uses baby spinach to avoid soggy lettuce. You can also try:

• Kale (finely shredded)
• Arugula for peppery flavor
• Romaine for extra crunch
• Butter lettuce for a tender, delicate bite

Pasta types: While farfalle works well to hold dressing, alternatives include:

• Penne or mini rigatoni,
• Elbow macaroni for comfort food vibes
• Whole wheat pasta for added fiber
• Gluten‑free pasta if needed

Bacon alternatives:

• Turkey bacon for a leaner version
• Smoked tempeh or soy bacon for vegetarian options
• Crispy pancetta for an upscale upgrade

Dressing modifications:

• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for tang and creaminess
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness
• Stir in grated Parmesan or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor profile

Mustard and dressing boosts:

• Replace Dijon with spicy brown mustard or whole‑grain mustard
• Enhance dressing with a dash of hot sauce or horseradish for a subtle kick

Flavor Enhancers and Add-Ins

Take your salad from ordinary to extraordinary with these optional mix‑ins:

• Cheese: A handful of cubed cheddar, crumbled feta, or shredded Gouda adds richness
• Veggies: Try thinly sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, or cucumber for crunch and freshness
• Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, chives, or chervil brings brightness
• Heat: A few chili flakes or chopped banana peppers work well for spice lovers
• Crunch: Add toasted sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or crumbled tortilla strips for fun texture

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Maximize enjoyment with these serving suggestions:

• Serve cold: Chill for at least an hour for flavors to meld fully
• Potluck prep: Assemble ahead without leafy greens; add spinach or other greens just before serving
• Complementary pairings: Serve alongside grilled burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or BBQ wings to complete your spread
• Transform into a wrap: Spoon salad into tortillas or croissants to make handheld BLT sandwiches
• Lighten up: Swap out pasta entirely and enjoy this mix atop baked potatoes or stuffed into bell peppers

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To ensure the best texture and flavor:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days
• Keep greens separate if making ahead to prevent wilting
• Refresh with an extra drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving again

Looking for more pasta salad recipes?

• Antipasto Pasta Salad
• Orzo Salad with Roasted Vegetables
• Roasted Red Pepper and Parmesan Tortellini Salad