There's something unmistakably satisfying about a dish that combines crisp bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing all in one bowl. This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe takes those classic flavors and gives them a fun pasta twist, making it perfect for warm-weather dinners or potluck parties.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: a base of creamy spiral pasta in light beige, topped with bright red halved cherry tomatoes scattered evenly, and mixed green leafy lettuce pieces adding texture. Small orange cubes of cheddar cheese and light green avocado chunks are mixed throughout. Crispy brown bacon bits sprinkle the salad, along with finely chopped herbs adding green flecks. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl with its handle pointing upward, ready to serve. In the background, blurred fresh green herbs and a small white bowl with cherry tomatoes can be seen. 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

I have to say, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe really nails the balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory in a way that makes it an instant favorite. I love how the flavors of a traditional BLT come together in a pasta salad that's both filling and fresh.

Classic flavors made fresh: The combination of crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes is timeless and instantly comforting.
Easy to prep in advance: The dressing can be mixed ahead and the pasta cooked early, saving time on busy days.
Flexible ingredients: You can easily swap out the cheddar for another cheese or adjust veggies based on what you like.
Great for gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that travels well to picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a pasta salad. The salad has three main layers: a base layer of off-white spiral pasta, scattered throughout with small chunks of orange cheese, green lettuce leaves, and bits of crispy brown bacon. On top, there are halved bright red cherry tomatoes and small pieces of purple onion mixed in. The salad is lightly dressed, giving a shiny, slightly creamy look to the pasta. The background shows a white marbled surface and blurred green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own personality. Here’s why each of these components is key, plus some tips for picking the best ones.

Flat lay of cooked rotini pasta, crispy chopped bacon, finely diced red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, ripe avocado pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, torn romaine lettuce leaves, and freshly chopped parsley arranged beautifully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto that creamy dressing perfectly, so every bite is flavorful.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and salty—bacon brings the essential BLT character to this pasta salad.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch. Finely diced so it doesn't overpower.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed cheddar gives a creamy, melty texture contrast that’s delightful here.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds that fresh, crisp bite that balances out richer ingredients, but best added right before serving!
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado gives this salad a smooth richness that’s so satisfying.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness cuts through the bacon and cheese, creating breath of fresh flavor.
Parsley: A mild herb to brighten flavors and add a touch of freshness.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: The secret ingredient in the dressing – adds that tangy, herby flavor everyone loves.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: Together, they create a creamy, luscious dressing that coats every bit 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

One of my favorite things about the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Adding or swapping ingredients keeps it fresh every time I make it.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping out romaine for crisp iceberg lettuce or even baby spinach – each gives a slightly different, yet delicious twist.
Diet-friendly: For a lighter mayo version, Greek yogurt works beautifully in the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
Seasonal swaps: In summer, grilling cherry tomatoes before adding them brings extra smoky depth you’ll love.
Cheese choices: Feel free to use pepper jack or even feta for a bolder flavor profile.

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

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing and Let It Chill

Start by combining the dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl. Give it a good whisk until smooth, then cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting step really lets the flavors meld, making the dressing taste so much better than if you just mixed it right before tossing.

Step 2: Cook and Chill the Pasta

While the dressing chills, cook your rotini pasta according to package directions. Don’t forget to salt your water—that's pasta 101 but makes a difference! Once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. This step is essential so your final salad isn’t mushy or warm; you want those pleasing al dente bites.

Step 3: Cook and Chop Your Bacon

Next, cook your bacon until it's deliciously crispy - stovetop or oven works great here. I usually bake mine on a rack for less mess. Chop it into bite-sized pieces once cooled. The crispy bacon pieces are the heart of this recipe, so don’t skimp!

Step 4: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Dice the red onion finely so it adds flavor without being too sharp. Cube your cheddar cheese, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the parsley finely, and tear up that romaine into bite-sized pieces. Finally, dice the avocado, but hold off mixing it in till right before serving to keep it fresh.

Step 5: Toss and Serve—But Add Lettuce Last

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, onion, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and parsley. Pour the chilled dressing over and use tongs to gently toss everything together so it’s well coated. Add the romaine lettuce right before serving; this keeps it crisp and fresh, since the lettuce can get soggy quickly when dressed too early.

Top Tip

After making this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Chill the Dressing: Letting your dressing rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes unlocks more depth in flavor, making it taste creamier and more herb-forward.
Rinse Pasta Cold: Don’t skip rinsing your pasta with cold water after cooking—it stops it from overcooking and prevents clumping.
Add Lettuce Last: To keep your salad crisp, toss in the romaine just before serving; otherwise, it wilts fast.
Use Fresh Bacon: Crisp and freshly cooked bacon pieces taste way better than pre-packaged bacon bits in this dish.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor—it just brightens up the whole dish. Sometimes, I add a few extra crispy bacon bits as a finishing touch to make it look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a simple garlic bread on the side. It also works great as part of a picnic spread alongside other cold salads and fresh fruit for a refreshing summer meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for a party—it looks cute and is super easy for guests to grab. Another idea is plating it on a platter with extra bacon strips and avocado slices fanned out for a vibrant, inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since romaine lettuce tends to get soggy, I recommend storing the salad components and the lettuce separately if you expect leftovers. Keep the dressed pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge and add fresh lettuce just before eating within 24 hours.

Freezing

I haven't tried freezing BLT Pasta Salad because the lettuce and avocado don’t freeze well, and the creamy dressing might separate. I’d suggest making fresh when you need it for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating. If you want to enjoy the leftovers, just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving and toss in fresh lettuce for that crisp bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can leave out the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked tofu cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s still full of texture and flavor.

How long does BLT Pasta Salad stay fresh?

Because of the fresh lettuce and avocado, it’s best enjoyed within a day. To keep it fresh longer, store the dressing and pasta separately from the lettuce and avocados, and combine just before serving.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! While rotini is great at holding dressing, penne, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta can be great substitutes depending on what you have on hand.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

I recommend baking bacon in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even crispiness and less mess. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, then drain on paper towels before chopping.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a total winner in my kitchen and one I turn to whenever I want a dish that feels indulgent but not heavy. It hits all the right notes: creamy, smoky, fresh, and just a little tangy. I hope you give it a try and discover how enjoyable—and flexible—this salad can be. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for any casual gathering or quick weeknight meal.