Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with crispy bacon and a zesty ranch dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for a potluck or BBQ, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz.) package bacon
- 1 (16-oz.) box fusilli or curly pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 (1-oz.) packet ranch seasoning mix
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as dill and/or parsley
How To Make Pioneer Woman BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until golden and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta: While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Make the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning packet, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, sliced romaine lettuce, chopped red onion, fresh herbs, and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until well coated. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep the lettuce crisp? For the best texture, add the romaine lettuce just before serving. If you need to make it slightly ahead, combine all other ingredients and fold in the lettuce at the last minute.
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? You can make parts of it ahead. Cook the pasta and bacon, and mix the dressing. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Combine everything with the fresh veggies when you’re ready to serve.
- What’s the best pasta for this salad? A pasta with plenty of nooks and crannies, like fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi, is perfect for catching all of the creamy ranch dressing.
- How to prevent the pasta salad from getting dry? Pasta salads tend to absorb dressing as they sit. If making it ahead, you may want to reserve a little extra dressing to stir in just before serving to freshen it up.
What To Serve With BLT Pasta Salad
This versatile salad works as a side for many main courses, especially summer classics.
- Grilled chicken or burgers
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- A simple steak
- Corn on the cob
How To Store BLT Pasta Salad
- Refrigerate: This pasta salad is best eaten the day it’s made due to the fresh lettuce. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the lettuce will wilt and the bacon will soften.
BLT Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
FAQs
Why rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing the pasta for a cold salad serves two purposes: it immediately stops the cooking process to prevent mushy pasta, and it cools the pasta down so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce or warm the dressing.
Can I use a different dressing?
While the ranch dressing is classic for a BLT theme, you could substitute it with a creamy Caesar, a simple vinaigrette, or even just mayonnaise thinned with a little vinegar and milk.
Can I add chicken to make it a main dish?
Yes! Adding shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled, diced chicken breast is a fantastic way to turn this side dish into a hearty and complete main course.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Grape Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing Recipe
Pioneer Woman BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
A creamy and refreshing pasta salad that captures all the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with crispy bacon and a zesty ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then cool and crumble.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, Parmesan, and pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, onion, herbs, and half of the bacon to the dressing.
- Gently fold to combine, then top with the remaining bacon before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eTo keep the lettuce from wilting, toss it into the salad just before you plan to serve it.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eRinsing the cooked pasta under cold water is crucial to cool it down quickly for the salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003ePasta shapes with lots of ridges, like fusilli or rotini, are best for holding onto the creamy dressing.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eReserve half the crispy bacon to sprinkle on top right before serving to ensure it stays crunchy.u003c/liu003e
