BLT Pasta Salad is next level! Packed with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, then drenched in a creamy ranch dressing; it's the perfect pasta salad!
Pasta salad is a staple during the summer and year round, but this BLT Pasta Salad really steals the show! It has such a delicious flavor and it's filled with the perfect ingredients! Make this for your next potluck, BBQ, or party and everyone will be begging you for the recipe!!!
I love pasta salad and I've already shared this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad and this Tortellini Pasta Salad - all reader favorites!
Be sure to checkout my Creamy BLT Bruschetta if you are looking for a delicious appetizer!
Pairing the crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions with the cool creamy dressing and pasta, is really the perfect combination. It takes hardly any time to throw this BLT Pasta Salad together, and it's easy to make!
How to make BLT Pasta Salad:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
Ingredients:
- Pasta - any type of short pasta works well for pasta salad. I used Cavatappi pasta noodles.
- Lettuce - use romaine for a typical BLT flavor.
- Tomatoes - any type work for this recipe. I combined plum tomatoes and grape tomatoes recently and it was a nice blend.
- Onions - yellow onion or red onion can be used in this pasta salad. If you don't like them, leave them out!
- Bacon - crispy bacon gives this a nice crunch
- Seasonings: salt and pepper
- Homemade ranch dressing - I recommend using the Hidden Valley seasoning pouches to make your ranch dressing, but your favorite bottled dressing could work as well.
Making the Pasta Salad:
- Get all of the ingredients together. Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta noodles according to the package directions to be al dente (do not overcook).
- Prep the vegetables while the pasta is cooking. Set aside.
- Cook the bacon in the air fryer, microwave, or in a skillet while the noodles are cooking. Chop and set aside.
- Drain the noodles and toss around to allow them to cool. Transfer them to a large bowl and then add the bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, ranch dressing, black pepper and salt. Mix well to coat the ingredients with ranch.
Flavor Tips:
- Let the BLT Pasta salad sit in the fridge covered at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and pop!
- Make your own ranch dressing! I love the Hidden Valley Seasoning Packs to make homemade ranch. Follow the directions on the back of the package to prepare.
When to serve this pasta salad:
- A potluck, party, or event is the perfect time to serve this easy dish. Serve it in a large bowl with a serving spoon.
- I love making this pickle pasta salad to go along with either Air Fryer Brats or Air Fryer Hamburgers!
- A summer BBQ is a great time to have pasta salad. Not only is this dish a delicious side, but it can also be a main dish for any vegetarians.
- Dinner! This dish is packed with veggies and flavor. Serve it with some Air Fryer Chicken Tenders or shred them and add them to the pasta salad!
Wanting something hotter for dinner? Try this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta!
BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to any potluck or BBQ. All the classic flavors of a BLT thrown into a delicious pasta salad.
- 1 pound pasta noodle, cooked according to package directions al dente
- 4 strips bacon cooked, chopped, and set aside
- 1 romaine lettuce heart chopped, rinsed and dried
- 2 plum tomatoes chopped
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
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Using a large bowl, add the cooked pasta. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and bacon. Add ranch dressing, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the ingredients.
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Refrigerate 2 hours before serving, mix, and serve.
Recipe Video
First posted in February 2015. Updated July 2024.
Beth says
This was everything I thought it would be and then some! I love the creaminess with the bacon, lettuce, and tomato mixed with the firm pasta.
Cady says
Loved this pasta salad. I also added sun-dried tomatoes and it was so good!
Krystle Smith says
The crispy bacon bits are everything, and that creamy ranch dressing takes it to another level. Definitely my new go-to for summer potlucks.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
This was absolutely amazing! The flavors were so well balanced and the salad was so filling! Definitely a new favorite of mine, I will surely make it again and again!
Sha says
Such a rich and delicious salad. My new go-to lunch recipe!
Sandra says
Made this salad over the weekend for a family gathering and we all loved it! So refreshing and flavorful, perfect for this weather!
Kristyn says
This is one of my go-to salads all summer long! Everyone loves it! I have to make a ton, because it goes so quickly!
Janelle says
I love pasta salad and this was was soooooo good! Thanks a bunch!
April says
My new favorite pasta salad! It's so creamy!
Catalina says
The BLT Pasta Salad was a hit at our BBQ! The flavors were fresh and vibrant, and the bacon added a perfect crunch. It’s a delicious twist on the classic BLT and a great side dish for any gathering.