Ah, the classic BLT—crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes—all wrapped up in a sandwich, right? But who says it can’t morph into a pasta salad, bursting with unexpected flavors and textures?
Imagine this: golden leaves falling, a slight chill in the air, and a bowl of this delightful twist on your table.
It’s both comfort and surprise, and honestly, who doesn’t need a bit of both these days?
Steps
- Cook 10 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and save a tablespoon of the grease if desired. Boil 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¾ cup of ranch dressing, and the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease to create a creamy dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1½ cups of diced fresh tomatoes, ½ diced avocado, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ? cup of diced red onion, 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce, and the crumbled bacon.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything until well-coated.
- Optionally, garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor before serving.
Ingredients
- 10 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- ¾ cup of ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups of fresh tomatoes, diced
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- ? cup of red onion, diced
- 1 cup of romaine lettuce, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of bacon grease (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2510 | Carbohydrates: 190g | Protein: 65g | Fat: 160g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 210mg | Sodium: 3140mg | Potassium: 1730mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3775IU | Vitamin C: 34.5mg | Calcium: 690mg | Iron: 7.5mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta in the BLT Pasta Salad?
- Absolutely! While rotini is recommended because it holds the dressing well, you can also use bow tie pasta or cheese-filled tortellini for a delightful variation.
- Is it possible to make the BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. However, for the freshest taste, it’s best to make it within a day before your event, especially if you’re including proteins like bacon or chicken, which have a shorter shelf life in the fridge.
- What can I substitute for bacon if I don’t eat pork?
- You can replace bacon with turkey bacon as a great alternative. Other potential protein options include grilled chicken or even a plant-based bacon substitute.
- What additional ingredients can I add to the BLT Pasta Salad?
- The salad is versatile, so feel free to add veggies like peppers, carrots, celery, or onions. For a bit of crunch, you can even toss in some croutons if you’re missing the bread aspect of a BLT sandwich.
- Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
- Yes, you can use bottled ranch dressing for convenience. However, if you have the time, making a quick batch of homemade ranch dressing will enhance the flavor of the salad.
Tips
- For enhanced flavor and creaminess, make your own ranch dressing rather than using bottled versions. Although it takes a few extra minutes, the taste difference is worth it.
- To allow the dressing to penetrate, use rotini pasta, as its shape helps capture the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Consider substituting turkey bacon for a lighter option if you don’t consume pork, and feel free to add other vegetables like peppers or carrots to make the salad more colorful and nutritious.
- If preparing the salad in advance, be aware that proteins like chicken or bacon reduce its shelf life, so it’s best to make it within a day of your event for optimal freshness.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For assembling and mixing the pasta salad ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables like tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce.
- Cutting Board – For preparing the vegetables and other ingredients.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
