Creamy, Flavorful BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT pasta salad is creamy, fresh, loaded with flavor, and everything you love about the beloved sandwich in pasta salad form.

A Heavenly Twist On a Classic

If you love a good classic BLT sandwich but want something fresh and shareable for your next summer BBQ or family gathering, this BLT pasta salad is the perfect dish. It’s got all the best parts of a BLT, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh romaine lettuce, tossed together with tender pasta and a creamy ranch dressing. To really sweeten the deal, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy recipe you can pull together for a last-minute cookout.

Now let me show you how to whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish that disappears fast (sometimes before the fried chicken even makes it to the table)!

Speaking of creamy, bacony goodness, check out our Creamy Bacon Pasta!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini pasta
Bacon
Cherry tomatoes
Romaine lettuce
Cheddar cheese
Red onion
Mayonnaise
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Ranch seasoning
Lemon juice

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

Don’t add lettuce too early. If you’re making this ahead, keep the lettuce separate until just before serving so it stays crisp.
Use cold pasta. Hot pasta will wilt the lettuce and melt the cheese, so let it cool completely before mixing.
Make it lighter. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, or try turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Change it up. Add in green onions, baby spinach, or even some cooked chicken to make it a full meal.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water so it stops cooking and cools down.

Cooked pasta being drained in a strainer

Step 2: Fry the Bacon

In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth. This is your creamy ranch dressing base.

A bowl of mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice for the dressing

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and bacon. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until every piece is coated.

A large bowl of the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and bacon

Pouring the dressing over the cooked BLT pasta salad

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold, straight from the fridge.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, stir in fresh lettuce just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.

What to Serve With BLT Pasta Salad

This dish is a great addition to almost any meal. Serve it alongside:

BLT Pasta Salad FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Bowtie pasta or even tortellini make fun variations. Just aim for a bite-sized pasta that holds the dressing well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Just prep everything and keep the lettuce separate until the last minute for the freshest crunch.

What if I don’t like mayo?

You can use all sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the dressing will be a little tangier. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar balances the flavor.

Can I serve this as a main dish?

Yes! With the pasta, cheese, and bacon, this is hearty enough for a full meal, especially if you add grilled chicken.