Authentic BLT Pasta Salad
This Authentic BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender elbow macaroni with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
Tossed in a creamy dressing of fat-free mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, infused with tangy apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and savory Ranch seasoning, this salad delivers a burst of flavors in every bite.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing dish that’s sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Familiar Flavors with a Twist: The recipe takes the classic BLT sandwich elements—bacon, lettuce (represented by green onions), and tomatoes—and reimagines them in a fresh, new form. This blend of familiar flavors in a pasta salad format offers a unique culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to larger gatherings like picnics and potlucks. Its appealing combination of textures and flavors makes it a hit with people of all ages.
Balanced Taste Profile: The creamy dressing, featuring a harmonious mix of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, is complemented by the tangy apple cider vinegar and zesty Ranch seasoning. This creates a well-rounded taste that is both rich and refreshing.
Customizable Ingredients: The recipe allows for flexibility with ingredients. Whether you prefer a different type of pasta or want to add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or avocado, it can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
Easy and Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this pasta salad is simple to make, requiring minimal cooking time. It’s a convenient option for those looking for a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients:
Pasta: Using cooked elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta type provides the base for this salad, offering a satisfying texture and serving as a versatile vehicle for the other flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes: These halved, juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, balancing the savory and creamy elements of the dish while adding a vibrant, colorful touch.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a mild, onion-like flavor that adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the dressing, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Bacon: Fried, drained, and crumbled bacon infuses the salad with a smoky, savory flavor, providing that classic BLT essence that is both indulgent and irresistible.
Greek Yogurt and Mayonnaise: This combination creates a creamy, tangy dressing that coats the pasta and ingredients evenly. The Greek yogurt adds a healthy twist, reducing fat while maintaining a rich texture.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: This mix adds a zesty, herbal flavor to the dressing, elevating the salad’s taste with its blend of spices and herbs.
Dijon Mustard and Apple Cider Vinegar: These ingredients contribute a tangy depth to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor balance and providing a subtle kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami note, rounding out the dressing with its complex flavor profile and tying the ingredients together beautifully.
Authentic BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
3 ½ to 3 ⅔ cup cooked elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta
2 cups baby tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup green onions, chopped
4 to 6 slices bacon, fried, drained and crumbled
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar, (optional)
½ cup mayonnaise, fat free
⅓ cup plain, low fat Greek Yogurt
2 tbsp dry Ranch seasoning mix
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
FIRST STEP:
Boil the pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the bacon crumbles, green onions and halved cherry tomatoes
Stir to blend well
SECOND STEP:
In a medium bowl place the Greek Yogurt, mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, Apple Cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, Ranch seasoning mix and dijon mustard
Blend the mayonnaise mix well to combine all ingredients completely
THIRD STEP:
Add the mayo mix to the bowl of pasta
Stir well and sprinkle some parsley over the top
Cover and place into the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Pasta Choice: Use elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice; ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture in the salad.
Ingredients Freshness: Opt for fresh baby tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, which add a burst of sweetness and color.
Bacon Preparation: Crisp up the bacon until it’s golden and drain well to avoid excess grease in the salad.
Creamy Dressing: The combination of fat-free mayonnaise and low-fat Greek yogurt creates a creamy base without excessive calories.
Flavor Enhancers: Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang, while Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce provide depth of flavor. Adjust sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Seasoning: Dry Ranch seasoning mix offers a convenient blend of herbs and spices that complement the salad’s flavors.
Make-ahead: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving enhances the melding of flavors.
Garnish: Sprinkling parsley over the top adds a fresh herbal note and enhances visual appeal.
Serving: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for gatherings due to its ease of preparation and refreshing taste.
Variations: Customize by adding shredded cheese, diced avocado, or swapping out ingredients to suit personal taste preferences.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 84TOTAL FAT: 12gSATURATED FAT: 6gTRANS FAT: 6gCHOLESTEROL: 62mgCARBOHYDRATES: 48gSUGAR: 8gPROTEIN: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for the BLT Pasta Salad?
Yes, you can use your choice of pasta.
Elbow macaroni works well, but you can experiment with other shapes.
Is it necessary to rinse the cooked pasta?
Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
It also helps cool the pasta for the salad.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon for the recipe?
Yes, you can use regular bacon.
Turkey bacon is a leaner option, but the choice depends on your preference.
Why use apple cider vinegar in the dressing?
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Is sugar optional in the dressing?
Yes, sugar is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
It adds a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with a lighter alternative?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise to reduce the overall calorie content of the dressing.
What other vegetables can I add to the pasta salad for extra crunch?
You can add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or celery for additional texture and flavor.
How long can I refrigerate the BLT Pasta Salad before serving?
It’s recommended to refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
You can refrigerate for longer if desired.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it separately?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately.
Mix it with the pasta just before serving.
What are some suggested variations for this BLT Pasta Salad?
You can add grilled chicken, avocado slices, or crumbled feta cheese for additional flavors and textures.