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- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or rotini) - 6 slices of crispy cooked turkey bacon, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste In this Easy BLT Pasta Salad, the main ingredients shine with their fresh flavors. The pasta serves as a cozy base, while the turkey bacon adds a satisfying crunch. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst, making each bite delightful. For the dressing, I like using mayonnaise mixed with apple cider vinegar and garlic powder. This blend creates a creamy and tangy sauce that coats the salad perfectly. You can also add garnishes for an extra touch. Chopped romaine gives a crisp texture, while shredded cheddar cheese enhances the richness. Fresh parsley not only looks great but also adds a pop of color. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. Check out the Full Recipe for exact measurements and instructions! - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente. - Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Cooking the pasta is the first step. Use a large pot and add a good amount of salt to the water. The salty water flavors the pasta as it cooks. Check the pasta package for timing. Once it is done, draining is key. Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process. This way, it won't get mushy. - Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Mix until smooth and creamy. Next, we make the dressing. In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. This dressing is what makes the pasta salad rich and tasty. The vinegar adds a nice zing to balance the creamy mayonnaise. - Combine cooked pasta with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and onions. - Pour dressing over and toss gently. - Chill before serving. Now, let’s put it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully. For the full recipe, check out how easy it is to create this delicious dish. To achieve the perfect pasta texture, cook your pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing, and remember to salt the water before boiling. This adds flavor to your pasta. For bacon, I recommend baking it in the oven. Lay the bacon on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F. This method ensures crispy bacon without the mess. You can also use a skillet for frying, just make sure it gets nice and crispy. You can add extra taste to your salad with herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. If you want a lighter dressing, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This keeps it creamy but cuts down on calories. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness. The Easy BLT Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It makes for a great side dish at barbecues or picnics. For serving, consider using small cups or jars. This makes each portion easy to grab. You can also layer the salad in clear bowls to show off the colors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily swap turkey bacon for other meats. Try crispy bacon, pancetta, or even plant-based bacon. Each option adds a unique taste to the salad. For pasta, while fusilli or rotini are great choices, you can use penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. These options change the texture and flavor, making your dish exciting. If you want a lighter option, use yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess without extra fat. You can also add herbs like dill or chives for a fresh twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors in your dressing. Adding mustard, honey, or lemon juice can enhance the taste. Each ingredient brings a new layer to your Easy BLT Pasta Salad. Incorporating seasonal vegetables can brighten your salad. For summer, add cucumbers, bell peppers, or sweet corn. In winter, consider roasted vegetables like squash or Brussels sprouts. They add warmth and depth. Adjust the recipe according to the season. For summer picnics, keep it light and fresh. In winter, make it hearty and comforting. These tweaks help the dish fit any gathering or season. For the full recipe of Easy BLT Pasta Salad, check the earlier sections. You can store Easy BLT Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, place the salad in an airtight container. This will help prevent any unwanted odors and keep the ingredients crisp. Make sure to toss the salad again before serving to mix in any dressing that may have settled. I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and vegetables. If you have leftovers that you want to save, store them in the fridge instead. If you must freeze it, try to only freeze the pasta and bacon, leaving out the lettuce and tomatoes. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating is not usually needed for this salad since it’s best served cold. However, if you want to warm it up, do so on low heat in a pan. Keep in mind that reheating may change the salad's texture and flavor. The pasta may become softer, and the vegetables may lose their crispness. To enhance the flavor after reheating, add a bit more dressing if needed. You can use many types of pasta. Fusilli and rotini are my top choices. Their curly shapes hold the dressing well. You can also try penne or farfalle. Just pick a pasta that cooks al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite into it. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it a day before your meal. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend nicely. If you make it early, wait to add lettuce until just before serving. This keeps it fresh and crispy. If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, try yogurt. Greek yogurt works well and adds creaminess. You can also use avocado for a creamy texture. For a tangy taste, mix in some mustard. These substitutes give you flavor without using mayo. This recipe makes about four servings. It’s perfect for a small gathering or a family meal. If you need more, just double the ingredients. This pasta salad is great for parties or picnics. You can easily adjust the amounts to fit your needs. This Easy BLT Pasta Salad is simple, tasty, and great for any meal. We explored the main ingredients, the dressing, and how to assemble everything. You learned tips for flavor and serving. I also shared ideas for variations and storage. This dish is perfect for gatherings or quick meals. With these steps, you can create a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your cooking and get creative with your salad!

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

Discover a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic with this Easy BLT Pasta Salad recipe! Packed with crispy turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's an ideal side for summer barbecues or a quick lunch.Click through to explore how to make this tasty salad!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or rotini works great)

6 slices of crispy cooked turkey bacon, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cheese, and red onion.

        Mix with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.

          Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4