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Creamy Crunchy BLT Pasta Salad

creamy crunchy BLT pasta salad - featured image
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A perfect summer lunch salad combining smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, tender pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of smoked paprika.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, crisp 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 2 cups romaine lettuce into roughly 1-inch pieces. Halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes and finely chop ¼ cup red onion. Place all veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Add cooled pasta and chopped bacon to the bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if desired. Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad; start with most of the dressing and add more if needed. Make sure pasta is completely cool before mixing to avoid sogginess. Crisp bacon is key; baking bacon on a foil-lined sheet pan is a great hands-off method. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. For substitutions, use Greek yogurt for sour cream, vegan mayo for mayonnaise, gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option, and smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian/vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer lunch, picnic salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-crunchy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-summer-lunch/