BLT Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is full of all the classic BLT ingredients. Tender pasta, cooked bacon, and fresh veggies that's perfect for summer potlucks, bbq, or a regular weeknight meal.

Give me a rating:)

Print Pin

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

8 ounces pasta bowtie or your fave shape
6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
2 tablespoons parsley leaves chopped

Salad Dressing

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it sit until it's completely cooled.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, red onion, and chopped parsley leaves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors mix.
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve chilled, garnished with extra crumbled bacon and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't get mushy when you add the dressing.
Cool the hot pasta completely by running under some cold water.
Make your own buttermilk by mixing whole milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
Don't use store-bought bacon bits, they don't really work in the salad.
Substitute the Greek yogurt for a mixture of sour cream and mayo if needed.
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapeno for a hint of spice.
If you don't like onions, feel free to leave them out all together.
Let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor! Even better the next day!

Nutrition