BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This delicious BLT Pasta Salad recipe takes the iconic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and gives it a fresh spin in this tasty pasta salad! It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or a light supper!
This BLT Pasta salad is savory, satisfying, and absolutely scrumptious with that bit of crunchy bacon! If you enjoy a BLT sandwich, then you’ll love this pasta salad! Made with pasta, crisp bacon, spinach, tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, and a light dressing, this pasta salad recipe is always a crowd favorite!
As the sun gets warmer during spring and summer days, my family loves satisfying, fresh, and easy meals that let us spend more time doing the things we love outdoors! This BLT Pasta Salad is one of those favorites we turn to time and again during our warm, sunny days! I think you will love it too!
This time of year also brings many picnics, potlucks, reunions, and get-togethers, where you need a dish to share with others. And this BLT Pasta Salad is a surefire winner on all accounts! ♥️
How to Make BLT Pasta Salad
To make my BLT Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Pasta – I like to use either farfalle, spiral, or penne in this pasta salad recipe. It makes for a pretty salad, but keeps all the ingredients in bite-sized portions.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon is so delicious in this salad! I love to bake my bacon in the oven for the easiest method. Then, allow the bacon to cool slightly and dice it for the salad. Use your favorite bacon!
- Tomatoes – I love to use grape or cherry tomatoes in this pasta salad. Depending on the size of the tomato, you can either leave it whole or slice it in half lengthwise.
- Spinach – I use baby spinach in place of lettuce in this pasta salad, but arugula also works well if that’s what you have available or prefer. Spinach is a bit milder than arugula, which can have a slight bite to its taste.
- Onion – I use a diced red onion. I love the color and flavor that it adds to this pasta salad. If you do not have red onion, you can easily use sliced green onion in this recipe.
- Mozzarella – if you can find packages of small, bite-sized mozzarella balls, they are quick and easy in this salad. If not, cut your mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing – I use my quick and easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing in this recipe. It’s ready in minutes and is so delicious. You can also use your favorite store-bought version if you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
There aren’t many steps to making this tasty pasta salad!
Combine ingredients. To make, add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
Add dressing. Pour in the dressing and lightly toss to combine.
Mix and serve. Combine all of the ingredients well with the dressing. Serve with additional dressing on the side, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Pasta – Do not overcook it. Follow the pasta package directions to cook to al dente, or until still firm after cooking.
Once your pasta has cooked, pour it into a colander and rinse it in cool water to quickly cool it down to prevent it from overcooking.
I like to use either farfalle, spiral, or penne in this recipe.
Ingredients – They should be colorful and bite-sized. Even though I use fresh baby spinach, I usually give it a quick chop to ensure the pieces are bite-sized.
Include ingredients that vary in color and flavor. The green of the spinach, the red of the tomatoes, the purple of the onion, and the brown of the bacon give this salad an appetizing look. The mixture of flavors and textures blends well together. The crunch of the bacon, creaminess of the cheese, and tanginess of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing meld perfectly together.
Rest – Once the salad is mixed, allow it to rest for a little while, if possible, so that the pasta can absorb the flavors from the dressing and other ingredients. Serve with additional dressing for those who wish for more.
Storage Tips
To make ahead: This BLT pasta salad makes a great make-ahead recipe! Mix all the ingredients together and reserve some of the dressing for serving. Then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To store: Wrap well or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
It’s delicious served cold, or remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving.
Other Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes
Here’s my BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce ) package uncooked pasta, farfalle, penne, or spiral
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 (8-ounce) package Mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente pasta. Rinse the pasta in cold water and drain well. Add the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add tomatoes, bacon, spinach, Mozzarella, and red onion to the pasta. Pour in 1/2 cup of the balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine. Add more balsamic vinaigrette to make sure that all of the ingredients are well coated. Serve with additional balsamic vinaigrette on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Excellent. Brought to a cookout and everyone loved it!
Thank you. I’m so glad everyone enjoyed this salad.