There’s something so irresistibly fresh and comforting about this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It combines all the best parts of a classic BLT sandwich – crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce – but with a fun, twisty pasta that makes it perfect for a crowd or a picnic. Trust me, this salad always gets raves!

A white bowl filled with a creamy spiral pasta salad showing about four layers: the base layer has light beige spiral pasta with a smooth texture; scattered throughout are bright red halved cherry tomatoes with a shiny surface; small cubes of orange cheddar cheese add pops of color; chunks of green avocado with a soft texture are mixed in; pieces of green leafy lettuce add freshness around the edges; bits of crispy bacon are visible in reddish-brown strips; everything is coated lightly in a creamy dressing giving a slight gloss; a wooden spoon rests on the side inside the bowl; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The combination is familiar but elevated, and it’s super easy to whip up, which means fewer reasons to order takeout on a busy night.

Balanced Flavors: The zesty ranch dressing mixes perfectly with savory bacon and fresh veggies for every bite to feel satisfying.
Perfect for Gatherings: It makes a generous amount, ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply meal prepping for the week.
Customizable: You can tweak ingredients like cheese or avocado to suit what you have on hand or personal preferences.
Easy to Make Ahead: Preparing the dressing ahead of time means less stress when assembling, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three layers: the base layer is spiral rotini pasta in a creamy white dressing, mixed with small green lettuce pieces and chopped red onions; the middle layer includes bright orange cheese cubes and crispy bacon bits scattered evenly; the top layer is decorated with halved cherry tomatoes showing their juicy red interiors, and fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in the harmony of fresh, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, and perfectly cooked bacon mixed with a creamy ranch dressing. Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role and what to look for when shopping:

Flat lay of cooked rotini pasta with its spiral shapes, crispy chopped bacon pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy green avocado chunks, finely diced red onion, fresh torn romaine lettuce leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, all beautifully arranged in a colorful and inviting composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra crunch; cook it crisp but not burnt for the best texture.
Red Onion: Finely diced to provide a subtle bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed sharp cheddar adds richness; you can also shred it if you prefer a different texture.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and a cool contrast – add it just before serving to keep it crisp.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and a buttery texture, so choose ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these bring bursts of freshness; halving them releases their flavor nicely.
Chopped Parsley: A little herbaceous lift that brightens up the entire salad.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: The secret ingredient for that classic, tangy ranch flavor without extra effort.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Creamy bases for the dressing that balance tang and richness perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. It’s definitely a flexible salad that invites creativity.

Variation: Once, I swapped romaine for baby spinach to sneak in more greens, and it was just as delicious and a bit softer in texture.
Cheese Swap: Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack for a little kick, or even a tangy feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Dressing Swap: If you want to lighten it up, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt – still creamy but with added protein.

Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing

Start by combining the dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl. Whisk it well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes – this lets the flavors meld perfectly. I always do this first so the dressing has time to develop while prepping other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until just al dente – you don’t want it mushy. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly. This also helps keep the pasta from sticking together, making assembly easier.

Step 3: Prep and Combine the Ingredients

While pasta chills, cook the bacon until crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the red onion finely, cube the cheddar cheese, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the parsley, tear the romaine lettuce, and dice the avocado last so it stays fresh and doesn’t turn brown.

In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, bacon, onion, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, parsley, and romaine. Pour the chilled dressing on top and use tongs to gently combine everything so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.

Step 4: Serve Immediately or Keep Lettuce Separate

This salad tastes best right away because the lettuce stays crisp and fresh. If you’re prepping for later, I recommend storing the dressing and salad ingredients without the lettuce and mixing it in just before serving.

Top Tip

From making this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to unforgettable.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta turns mushy and won’t hold dressing well, so watch the timer closely.
Fry Bacon Just Right: Aim for crispy but not burnt bacon for the best texture contrast.
Add Lettuce Last: To prevent sogginess, add romaine only right before serving.
Handle Avocado Gently: Dice it last and toss gently to avoid mashing.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits or some freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes, I’ll scatter a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish that offers a nice twist of flavor.

Side Dishes

This BLT Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or burgers for a full meal. For lighter occasions, add some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to round it out.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I’ve layered it in clear glass trifle bowls to show off all the colorful layers or served it in hollowed-out heirloom tomatoes for a fun, fancy twist that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store the salad (minus the lettuce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I usually keep the lettuce separate and add it fresh when ready to eat again, so everything stays crunchy.

Freezing

This BLT Pasta Salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh ingredients and creamy dressing – both can get watery or mushy when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or storing in the fridge short-term.

Reheating

Since this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t needed. Just let refrigerated leftovers sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enjoy on its own or alongside warm dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta, bacon, and dressing a day ahead and refrigerate separately. Add the lettuce and toss everything together right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape holds onto the dressing well, but penne or fusilli are also great options that will work similarly in this recipe.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian twist, try crispy smoked tempeh or coconut bacon alternatives. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile somewhat, but still delicious.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Best eaten fresh or within 24 hours if stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge. Adding lettuce just before serving helps maintain crispness and freshness.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad I discovered this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe – it’s become my go-to when I want something that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain delicious. Trust me, once you make it for friends or family, you’ll be fielding requests to bring it again and again. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with those amazing scents of bacon and fresh herbs. You’re going to love how simple it is to make, and better yet, how everyone enjoys it!