Creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh! This BLT Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and a creamy ranch-style dressing. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, potlucks, or an easy lunch.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: ~55 minutes
Servings: 6–8

🛒 Ingredients

For the pasta salad

12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta
8 oz (225 g) bacon
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Creamy dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp ranch seasoning
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1–2 tbsp milk, if needed to thin

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse briefly under cold water.
Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly and cool.

Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta. It should remain firm enough to hold the creamy dressing.

2. Cook the bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until deeply crisp.

Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and allow it to cool.

Crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Reserve a small handful for topping.

3. Prepare the vegetables

Chop:

Romaine lettuce
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Parsley or green onions

Keep everything relatively bite-sized so each forkful has a little of everything.

4. Make the dressing

In a bowl, whisk together:

Mayonnaise
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Ranch seasoning
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper

Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk if the dressing is too thick.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

5. Combine

In a large bowl, add:

Cooled pasta
Tomatoes
Lettuce
Red onion
Cheddar
Most of the bacon
Parsley

Pour the dressing over everything.

Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This allows the flavors to come together.

7. Finish and serve

Just before serving, add the reserved crispy bacon and a little extra parsley.

For the freshest texture, add some of the lettuce and bacon immediately before serving rather than mixing all of it in hours ahead.

🌰 Nut & Allergy Information

Does BLT pasta salad contain nuts?

No nuts are required in this recipe.

However, check packaged ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, bacon, and cheese for allergen/cross-contact information if preparing it for someone with a severe allergy.

Gluten-free

Use certified gluten-free pasta and verify that your ranch seasoning and bacon are gluten-free.

Dairy-free

Use dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream/yogurt, and omit the cheddar or use dairy-free cheese.

Egg-free

Use an egg-free mayonnaise.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes. The recipe is naturally nut-free as written.

❓ Q&A

Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the pasta and dressing ahead and add the lettuce and crispy bacon shortly before serving.

Why did my pasta salad become dry?

Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. If making it ahead, reserve a little dressing and stir it in before serving.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works particularly well and adds extra protein.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Try:

Rotini
Bow ties
Shells
Cavatappi
Penne
Small macaroni

Short, ridged pasta is ideal because it holds onto the dressing.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes. Turkey bacon works, although regular bacon gives the salad a more traditional smoky BLT flavor.

Can I add chicken?

Definitely. Add 2 cups cooked diced or shredded chicken for a heartier chicken-BLT pasta salad.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add:

Crushed red pepper
Diced jalapeño
Hot sauce
Chipotle seasoning

Can I use lettuce other than romaine?

Yes. Iceberg lettuce gives extra crunch, while spinach makes the salad softer and more delicate.

Why should I add the lettuce later?

Lettuce can wilt when sitting in creamy dressing. Adding it shortly before serving keeps it crisp.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing?

Yes. Replace the homemade dressing with approximately 1–1¼ cups ranch dressing, depending on how creamy you want the salad.

How long does it last?

Store covered in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.

For the best texture, consume it within the first 1–2 days because the lettuce gradually softens.

Can I freeze BLT pasta salad?

No. Freezing isn’t recommended because mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh lettuce can separate and become watery after thawing.

🥓 Serving Tip

For the prettiest presentation, pile the pasta salad onto a serving platter and finish with extra crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and fresh parsley right before serving.