Ah, the classic BLT—there’s something about the crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce that just screams comfort food. But hey, let’s twist it up a notch and toss those iconic flavors into a pasta salad. Imagine a sunny Sunday afternoon, the smell of sizzling bacon wafting through the air, and the pop of cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness. This is the kind of salad that might just make you want to skip dinner altogether.
Steps
- Cook eight ounces of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns brown and crispy. Remove the bacon, placing it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- While the bacon is cooking, prepare the salad dressing by mixing ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ranch dressing, two tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper. Set the dressing aside for later use.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 12 ounces of bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain it in a colander, rinse briefly with cool water, and let it drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta is cooking and draining, slice one pint of grape tomatoes in half, and finely dice a quarter of a red onion. Roughly chop two packed cups of fresh spinach into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooled and well-drained, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the chopped spinach, halved tomatoes, diced onions, and the prepared dressing.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined and coated in dressing. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, then give it one more stir before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bacon
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 12 oz. bowtie pasta
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1/4 red onion (about 1/3 cup diced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3730kcal | Carbohydrates: 288g | Protein: 80g | Fat: 248g | Sodium: 4368mg | Fiber: 16g
FAQ
- What ingredients are in a BLT Pasta Salad?
- The BLT Pasta Salad includes bacon, fresh spinach (instead of lettuce), grape tomatoes, red onion, and bowtie pasta. The dressing is made from mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- What type of pasta should I use for the BLT Pasta Salad?
- You can use any small pasta shape, like rotini, small shells, macaroni, orecchiette, cavatappi, or farfalle. Bowtie pasta is recommended for its appealing shape in the salad.
- How long can I store BLT Pasta Salad?
- This salad is best served the same day it is made. It benefits from sitting in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors but should be consumed within a day or two as it may dry out over time.
- Can I substitute the lettuce in the BLT Pasta Salad?
- Yes, spinach is used instead of lettuce in this recipe because it holds up better in the pasta salad, providing better texture and color.
- What is the preparation process for BLT Pasta Salad?
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook the pasta, rinse it with cool water, and drain. Prepare the vegetables, then combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mix well, and let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use Spinach Instead of Lettuce: Opt for fresh spinach in your pasta salad as it is sturdier than lettuce and adds vibrant color and texture to the dish.
- Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Select a short pasta shape like bowtie, rotini, or small shells to ensure your salad holds together well and looks appealing.
- Prepare in Advance: Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. However, for the best taste, make it on the day you plan to serve it.
- Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, consume them within a day or two to prevent the salad from drying out and losing its freshness.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – for cooking the bacon.
- Large Pot – for boiling the pasta.
- Colander – for draining the pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl – for combining all the salad ingredients.
