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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy 5-ingredient summer side dish featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy dressing tossed with rotini pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices crispy bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Optionally reserve 1 teaspoon bacon grease for dressing.
  3. Wash and dry 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, salt starting with 1/2 teaspoon, and optional 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rotini, chopped bacon, romaine, and cherry tomatoes. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Toss again before serving. Can be served immediately if short on time.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for even crispiness. Adjust salt carefully as mayo brands vary in saltiness. For best texture, add lettuce and tomatoes just before serving if making ahead. Optional bacon grease can be added to dressing for smoky flavor. Variations include using gluten-free pasta, spiralized zucchini, or dairy-free avocado dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-summer-side-dish/