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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Veggies

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, dinners, or BBQ sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes (penne or shells work too)
  • Salt for boiling water (to season the pasta)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped (Applewood smoked recommended)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber (peeled if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or crisp iceberg
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or lighter mayo)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley or chives, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay out 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally, about 8-12 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and roughly chop 1 cup romaine lettuce. Add all to the bowl with the pasta.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but pourable.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Add the crispy bacon last and fold it in carefully to keep the crunch.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
  7. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad initially; you can add more dressing later but cannot remove it once mixed. Cook bacon slowly on medium heat for best crispness without burning. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to prevent sogginess. Add lettuce last minute if making ahead to avoid wilting.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-bacon-and-fresh-veggies/