This BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing combines the best flavors of a classic BLT sandwich and transforms it into a vibrant, creamy pasta salad. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce are tossed with tender pasta and a tangy ranch dressing, creating the ultimate side dish or light meal. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a make-ahead lunch, this salad offers everything you love in a BLT, but with a fun twist!
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes (for pasta and bacon)
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6 servings
- Serving size: 1 cup (about 180g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Ingredients:
- 250g (8 oz) rotini or bowtie pasta
- 8 slices of bacon (about 150g / 5.5 oz)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (300g / 10.5 oz)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (100g / 3.5 oz)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (60g / 2 oz)
- ¾ cup ranch dressing (180 ml)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (30 ml)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice for extra tang if desired.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives (if using).
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and garnish with extra bacon crumbles and chives, if desired.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Crisp the Bacon: For extra crunch and flavor, make sure the bacon is fully crispy before crumbling. You can also bake it in the oven for a more even cook.
- Fresh Lettuce: Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and prevent it from wilting in the salad.
- Customize Your Add-ins: You can add avocado slices, diced cucumbers, or red onions for extra texture and flavor variations.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, but hold off on adding the lettuce until just before serving to maintain its freshness.
3-5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni will work well for this salad.
- What can I substitute for bacon? You can use turkey bacon, pancetta, or even crispy tempeh for a vegetarian option while still keeping the flavor and texture.
- How long will this salad last in the fridge? The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, add the lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Can I use a homemade ranch dressing? Absolutely! A homemade ranch dressing made with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs will add even more freshness and flavor to the salad.
- Can this salad be served warm? While it’s typically served chilled, you can serve the salad at room temperature. However, chilling it for a bit will allow the flavors to blend better.
This BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing is a crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly combines comforting flavors with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing an easy weekday lunch, this salad brings together the smoky, savory, and creamy notes of a classic BLT sandwich in pasta form. Enjoy it cold, and let the ranch dressing add a refreshing tang to every bite!