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 incredibly satisfying about combining classic flavors into one fresh and hearty dish. This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe brings that perfect blend of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies, all tossed with a tangy ranch dressing that feels like a hug in every bite.

A white bowl filled with a creamy spiral pasta salad showing about four layers: the base layer has light beige spiral pasta with a smooth texture; scattered throughout are bright red halved cherry tomatoes with a shiny surface; small cubes of orange cheddar cheese add pops of color; chunks of green avocado with a soft texture are mixed in; pieces of green leafy lettuce add freshness around the edges; bits of crispy bacon are visible in reddish-brown strips; everything is coated lightly in a creamy dressing giving a slight gloss; a wooden spoon rests on the side inside the bowl; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background 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 get really excited sharing this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe because it’s exactly the kind of dish that feels like summer on your fork—bright, fresh, and totally comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as the star of a potluck, and usually disappears fast whenever I serve it up.

Perfect Texture Combo: Crunchy bacon and fresh romaine meet tender pasta for a satisfying bite every time.
Easy Prep: This salad comes together quickly, especially if you prepare the dressing ahead of time.
Customizable Ingredients: It’s super simple to swap veggies or add extras to match your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonders at parties or as a hearty lunch—you’ll get lots of “Wow, what’s in this?”

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three layers: the base layer is spiral rotini pasta in a creamy white dressing, mixed with small green lettuce pieces and chopped red onions; the middle layer includes bright orange cheese cubes and crispy bacon bits scattered evenly; the top layer is decorated with halved cherry tomatoes showing their juicy red interiors, and fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe has its role, creating balance between smoky, crunchy, creamy, and fresh. Choosing quality elements makes a huge difference, so let’s chat about why each one matters (and some tips on picking the best).

Flat lay of cooked rotini pasta with its spiral shapes, crispy chopped bacon pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy green avocado chunks, finely diced red onion, fresh torn romaine lettuce leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, all beautifully arranged in a colorful and inviting composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape is a pasta salad MVP—it traps dressing and hangs onto all the good flavors.
Bacon: Crisped up just right, bacon adds essential smokiness and crunch that keep things interesting.
Red Onion: A little bit of sharpness to cut through the creaminess; finely diced means you don’t get an overpowering bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for pops of savory goodness, this adds that melty familiarity everyone loves.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh, it lightens the salad; just add right before serving for the best texture.
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, it’s the secret to making this salad feel indulgent without being heavy.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy bursts that bring color and freshness to the bowl.
Parsley: Chopped finely for a herbaceous lift and a little green pep.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: That classic ranch flavor in a snap—mixing it with mayo and sour cream creates a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These creamy bases balance the sharp ranch seasoning and keep the salad luscious.

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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

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it to match your mood or what’s in the fridge. I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand.

Variation: Once, I swapped the romaine for baby spinach and added some crispy fried shallots for crunch instead of bacon; it gave a fresh twist that guests adored.
For Lighter Dressing: I sometimes sub half the mayo for Greek yogurt to cut calories without losing creaminess.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and toss in toasted chickpeas or smoked paprika roasted nuts for that smoky crunch.
Seasonal Adjustments: In summer, add grilled corn or fresh basil leaves to boost freshness.

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

Step 1: Whisk up the Ranch Dressing

Start by combining the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, then cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chill time lets the flavors meld and makes the dressing ultra creamy—trust me, don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it's al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down—this keeps the pasta from getting mushy later on. Drain again thoroughly before adding it to your big mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine All the Goodies

Add your cooked and chopped bacon, diced red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, avocado pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and bite-sized romaine lettuce to the cooled pasta. Pour that chilled ranch dressing over everything, then gently toss it all with tongs. Be careful not to mash the avocado or shred the lettuce too much—gentle is key here!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

This salad is best enjoyed fresh right after tossing, especially because of the lettuce. Serve immediately and watch it disappear fast—you might want to double the batch for your next gathering.

Top Tip

From my many times making this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, here are some tips that make all the difference, especially if you want your salad to impress or last a little longer.

Don’t Skip Rinsing! Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops it from cooking further and helps it cool down quickly, which is crucial for that perfect texture.
Add Lettuce Last: I’ve learned the hard way that romaine gets soggy quickly if mixed too early. Toss in the lettuce and dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.
Use Tongs for Tossing: They help mix everything gently without mashing delicate ingredients like avocado or tomatoes.
Chill the Dressing: Letting the dressing rest in the refrigerator first really boosts its flavor and gives it that creamy consistency you want.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this salad with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and sometimes a few extra crispy bacon bits on top for garnish—they add a pop of flavor and make it look irresistible. A few extra parsley leaves give it that pretty, fresh finish.

Side Dishes

This BLT Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or even as a vibrant side at a picnic alongside cornbread or watermelon slices. It’s versatile enough to compliment many summer favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves—makes for a fun and elegant presentation. Layering it in a glass trifle bowl at a brunch adds great visual appeal too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because of the lettuce, I recommend storing this salad without it if you plan to keep leftovers. Place the pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add fresh romaine when you're ready to serve again—this keeps it crisp and fresh.

Freezing

I don't usually freeze this salad because the texture of the fresh veggies and cheese changes when thawed. The dressing and pasta might separate—so it's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your leftovers feel chilled, just take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take off the chill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just prepare the dressing and pasta salad components except for the lettuce. Refrigerate separately and toss the lettuce in right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

Rotini is perfect because of its spiral shape that holds onto dressing and bits of bacon and veggies. You can also use shells or fusilli if you prefer.

Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Yes! Try crispy smoked paprika roasted chickpeas or vegetarian bacon alternatives for a similar smoky crunch while keeping it plant-based.

How long does this pasta salad keep in the fridge?

Like I mentioned, this salad is best eaten within 24 hours due to the lettuce. If you store it without lettuce, it can last a day or two, but the avocado might start browning, so freshness is key.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s more than just a salad—it’s that comforting, vibrant dish that brings people around the table with smiles. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your go-to for effortless, delicious meals!