Name: BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16-ounce box Rotini Pasta cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water; 13 slices bacon cooked and chopped; ½ large red onion finely diced; 1½ cups cheddar cheese cut into cubes; 2 cups romaine lettuce cut or torn into bite size pieces; 1 avocado cut into small pieces; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes cut in half; ¼ cup parsley chopped; 1 1-ounce packet Hidden Valley Dressing Mix dry; 1½ cups mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream

There’s just something about the combo of crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing that makes this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe an absolute winner for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting family dinner. It’s hearty, fresh, and packs all those beloved BLT flavors into a fun pasta salad twist that everyone will ask for again.

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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled out this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe when I wanted something that feels special but isn’t complicated. It’s fresh, creamy, and the bacon adds that irresistible crunch that brings the whole salad to life.

Full of Flavor: The zesty ranch dressing combined with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar brings layers of taste in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a casual weeknight meal, it comes together easily and please everyone.
Balanced Texture: Crunchy romaine meets creamy avocado and tender pasta, creating a salad that’s exciting to eat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep most of it in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your guests (and less time in the kitchen!).

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

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe balances rich, creamy, and fresh ingredients so every forkful is as satisfying as the classic sandwich. Plus, I'll share a few tips on picking the freshest veggies and the best bacon to get that perfect smoky flavor.

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 spirals hold onto the dressing and bits of bacon, making each bite flavorful.
Bacon: Crisp and chopped—you want that salty crunch to offset the creamy dressing and soften veggies.
Red Onion: Finely diced for a sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for texture and a mild, slightly sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and bright green color; best added just before serving.
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, it balances the savory elements perfectly.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy with a touch of sweetness to brighten the salad.
Fresh Parsley: Adds an herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, Mayonnaise, and Sour Cream: Create a creamy, tangy dressing that’s the perfect BLT companion.

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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

I love how versatile this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is. Sometimes I swap out ingredients depending on what’s in season or to fit dietary preferences. The key is keeping those signature BLT flavors while making it your own.

Variation: I once added grilled corn and bell peppers for a summer twist, and it was a total hit at our family picnic.
Vegetarian Version: Skip bacon and add smoked tofu or tempeh for that smoky flavor without the meat.
Cheese Alternatives: Sharp Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can bring a fun kick if you want to switch up the cheese.
Dressing Swaps: You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.

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

Step 1: Whip up that delicious dressing

Start by combining the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a medium bowl. Whisk it together until smooth and creamy. Cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let those flavors meld and thicken. This step makes the dressing taste so fresh and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook and cool the pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water. I know rinsing pasta can feel counterintuitive, but for pasta salad, it’s a must to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking together. Drain well and toss into a big mixing bowl.

Step 3: Chop and prep all your veggies and bacon

Cook your bacon until crispy (I like using thick-cut bacon for extra texture), then chop into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion, cube the cheddar cheese, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the parsley, and cut the romaine into pieces. Don’t forget to dice the avocado last to keep it fresh!

Step 4: Toss everything together gently

Add the bacon, onions, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, parsley, and romaine lettuce to the pasta bowl. Pour the chilled dressing over the top and use tongs to gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Be gentle here—especially with the avocado and lettuce—to keep that perfect texture intact.

Step 5: Serve immediately or keep the lettuce aside

I recommend serving this salad right away to enjoy the freshness of the romaine. If you need to prep ahead, mix everything except the lettuce and dressing, then add those just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Top Tip

Having cooked this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to get it just right—these little tips make a big difference in taste and texture.

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dressing: Letting it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors to fully develop and the dressing to thicken nicely.
Rinse the Pasta Well: Cold water stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta perfect, plus it prevents the salad from turning mushy.
Add Lettuce Last: For the freshest crunch, toss romaine in right before serving, especially if you’re making the salad ahead of time.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better in the salad and still delivers that satisfying smoky crunch each bite needs.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or even a bit of crispy fried shallots for extra crunch. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper on top to kick up the flavor just before serving.

Side Dishes

This BLT Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted corn on the cob, or even simple garlic bread. For an easy summertime meal, I sometimes serve it alongside juicy burgers or BBQ ribs.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or potlucks, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out lettuce boats or inside crisp cucumber cups—people love the fun presentation and it makes it feel extra special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the salad fresh, I usually pack leftovers tight in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind the romaine lettuce doesn’t hold up well and will wilt, so if you want to stretch leftovers, store lettuce separately or plan to eat within a day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad due to the lettuce and avocado, which don’t thaw well and will turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.

Reheating

This is a cold pasta salad, so no reheating needed! If you find the salad has chilled too much to your liking, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to bring flavors back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked tofu, tempeh, or use a nice smoky paprika seasoning in the dressing to mimic that flavor. The cheese and avocado help keep it satisfying and flavorful.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

The best way is to add the romaine lettuce just before serving. If you’re making the salad ahead, store the prepared salad and chopped lettuce separately and toss them together just before eating for maximum crunch.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching the dressing and mix-ins, other short pasta shapes like penne, bowties, or fusilli work beautifully too. Just choose pasta that holds its shape well.

How long does the BLT Pasta Salad stay good in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, especially because the avocado and lettuce components will start to break down and affect texture and freshness. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a true all-star in my kitchen for its perfect blend of hearty, fresh, and creamy. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough to whip up any day but delicious enough to impress company. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for it as often as I do—it’s just that good and comforting.