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Nothing screams summer picnic like a big bowl of cold, creamy pasta salad—especially when it tastes just like your favorite BLT sandwich! This BLT pasta salad has been my go-to potluck dish for years, ever since I first threw it together for a family reunion in Ohio. My aunt kept asking for the recipe between bites, and my cousin (who usually skips salads altogether) went back for thirds. That’s the magic of combining crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce with tender pasta and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s all the flavors you love in a BLT, but even easier to share at cookouts or pack for lunches!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad
This isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s the one you’ll crave all summer long! Here’s why it’s become my potluck MVP:
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Cook the bacon while the pasta boils, and you’re basically done
- No fancy ingredients – Everything comes from regular grocery stores (even that Greek yogurt dressing!)
- Gets better as it chills – Perfect for meal prep or picnics when you need to make food ahead
- Lightened up but still creamy – Greek yogurt gives that luscious texture without weighing you down
- Crowd-pleaser magic – Kids devour the bacon, adults love the fresh veggies, and everyone goes back for seconds
Trust me, once you try this twist on classic BLT flavors, you’ll understand why my family requests it for every backyard gathering!
BLT Pasta Salad Ingredients
This BLT pasta salad comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients—the kind I always have on hand for last-minute gatherings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz pasta – I use rotini or bowties for catching all that creamy dressing, but any short pasta works
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (save that bacon grease for roasting veggies!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – little bursts of sweetness in every bite
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped – adds that perfect BLT crunch
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt – my secret for creamy dressing without guilt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – just enough to smooth out the tang
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed brightens everything up
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – better than fresh here (no chopping!)
- Salt and pepper to taste – I’m generous with both
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving! Here are my favorite tweaks:
- Swap Greek yogurt for regular yogurt or sour cream if that’s what’s in your fridge
- Use turkey bacon or even pancetta if you’re mixing things up
- Any small pasta shape works—I’ve even used broken spaghetti in a pinch
- No cherry tomatoes? Dice 1 medium regular tomato instead
- Add a pinch of sugar to the dressing if your tomatoes aren’t super sweet
The beauty of this salad is how easily it adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand—just keep that perfect BLT flavor combo intact!
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
Alright, let me walk you through my foolproof method for this BLT pasta salad—it’s so easy, you’ll have it memorized after one try! Here’s exactly how I make it every time:
- Cook your pasta in well-salted boiling water (it should taste like the ocean!) until al dente, usually about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking—this also prevents clumping.
- While the pasta cooks, whip up that amazing dressing: In a big bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until perfectly smooth. Taste it—this is your chance to adjust the tang or seasoning!
- Toss everything together while the pasta’s still slightly warm (it absorbs flavors better). Gently fold in the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce—the romaine should stay crisp, so no rough stirring!
- The hardest part—wait! Cover and chill for at least an hour (this is non-negotiable for flavor). The wait makes all the difference as the flavors meld beautifully.
See? Just four simple steps to pasta salad perfection! Now, here’s how to make sure yours turns out amazing every single time…
Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad
These little tricks took my BLT pasta salad from good to “give-me-the-recipe!” status:
- For extra crispy bacon, bake it at 400°F on a rack—no flipping needed and it cooks evenly!
- Hold back a little bacon to sprinkle on top right before serving for that wow factor.
- If making ahead, add extra dressing—the pasta absorbs some overnight.
- Season aggressively! Cold dulls flavors, so your dressing should taste slightly too strong before chilling.
Follow these tips, and your BLT pasta salad will be the star of every picnic or potluck—just try not to eat it all before you get there!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This BLT pasta salad practically begs to be made ahead—it’s one of those rare dishes that actually gets better as it sits! Here’s how I handle prep and storage to keep it tasting fresh:
Meal prep magic: You can assemble everything (except the lettuce) up to 24 hours ahead. I often mix the pasta, bacon, and dressing the night before, then simply fold in the crisp romaine just before serving—this keeps the lettuce from getting soggy.
Fridge life: Stored airtight, it stays delicious for about 3 days (though the bacon may soften a bit). Give it a quick revive with an extra squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Freezer warning: Don’t even think about freezing this one—the creamy dressing separates and the lettuce turns to mush. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after trying to stash leftovers!
Serving Suggestions for BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT pasta salad is basically the ultimate team player at any summer gathering! Here are my favorite ways to serve it up:
For picnics: Pack it alongside cold fried chicken (my grandma’s secret recipe!) and crisp watermelon wedges. The salty-sweet combo is absolute heaven on a hot day.
Potluck perfection: Set it out next to a basket of warm buttery rolls and a platter of grilled sausages—the crowd will go wild for this flavor pairing!
Weeknight win: Top with grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken to turn it into an easy main dish salad. My kids love when I serve it with garlic bread for dunking into any leftover dressing.
BLT Pasta Salad Variations
Oh, the fun part—playing with this BLT pasta salad recipe to make it your own! Here are my favorite twists that keep things exciting for meal planning:
- Creamy avocado – Fold in diced avocado right before serving (it turns the dressing extra luxurious!)
- Cheese lovers’ dream – A handful of sharp cheddar or crumbled feta takes it over the top
- Spicy kick – Mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or chipotle mayo for grown-up palates
- Extra crunch – Toasted sunflower seeds or croutons add fantastic texture
The best part? These easy swaps mean you can reinvent this salad all summer long without getting bored. Just keep that perfect BLT flavor foundation—the rest is up to your imagination!
Nutritional Information
Let me be totally honest—nutrition info varies so much depending on your exact ingredients (like how crispy you make that bacon!). These are rough estimates per serving, but I always say: good food is about joy, not just numbers!
BLT Pasta Salad FAQs
Got questions about this BLT pasta salad? I’ve answered all the ones my friends and family pester me about—save yourself some text messages and check these first!
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Regular yogurt works in a pinch, but you’ll want to thicken it up—try draining it in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes or adding an extra tablespoon of mayo. Greek yogurt just gives that perfect creamy texture without being too runny, and I love the extra protein boost!
How long does BLT pasta salad last in the fridge?
This summer pasta salad stays fresh for about 3 days if you store it airtight. The bacon might soften a touch, but the flavors actually improve! Just give it a quick stir and maybe a fresh squeeze of lemon before serving leftovers.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
Almost! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles (I like chickpea or brown rice pasta for this). All the other ingredients—bacon, lettuce, tomatoes—are naturally gluten-free, so you’re just one simple swap away from picnic perfection!
Can I prep this healthy BLT salad ahead for meal planning?
You’re speaking my language! I often mix everything (except the lettuce) the night before. Keep the dressing and pasta together in one container, then add the crisp romaine and fresh tomatoes right before serving. Meal planning win!
What’s the best way to keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
Toss it in right before serving—that’s my golden rule! If you must prep ahead, layer the salad with lettuce on top, then gently fold it in when you’re ready. Romaine holds up better than iceberg, but nothing beats that just-added crunch.
Rate This Recipe
Did you love this BLT pasta salad as much as my family does? Leave a star rating below or tag me @CarlasCooking on Instagram—I adore seeing your kitchen creations! Your reviews help other home cooks find their new favorite recipes too.
PrintBLT Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce to the bowl. Toss to coat.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead for easier meal planning.
- Substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg