![- 8 oz rotini pasta - 4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup lettuce, shredded (romaine or iceberg) - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) - Large mixing bowl - Small bowl for dressing - Whisk - Pot for boiling pasta - Strainer When I make this Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad, I love to gather all my ingredients first. The rotini pasta is my base. It holds the dressing well, making every bite tasty. Then, I add cooked turkey bacon. It gives a nice crunch and smoky flavor. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while the lettuce brings freshness. For the creamy dressing, I use mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This mix gives a tangy and rich flavor. A little garlic powder adds depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make it pop! You will need a large mixing bowl to combine everything. A small bowl for the dressing helps keep things neat. I use a whisk to blend the dressing until it's smooth. A pot and strainer are vital for cooking and draining the pasta. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a delicious salad. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. Start by boiling the rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions for the right cooking time. Typically, you want it to be al dente, so keep an eye on it. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Make sure to mix them well, but be gentle. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the tomatoes intact. Once combined, set this bowl aside while you work on the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. This combination gives the dressing a nice balance of creaminess and tang. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it until it's just right for your palate. Now, pour that delicious dressing over your pasta mixture. Toss everything together gently until well coated. This is where the flavors start to blend. For an extra layer of taste, fold in the sliced green onions and optional cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a nice bite and richness to the dish. Finally, chill your pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and makes the salad even better. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve it chilled, and enjoy every bite of this Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad! For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your salad truly amazing, start with high-quality mayonnaise. It gives a rich creaminess that brings everything together. For a zesty kick, consider adding a splash of lemon juice. This small touch adds a bright, tangy flavor that makes your salad shine. Want to switch things up? You can use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon. This gives a richer flavor that many people love. If you enjoy fresh tastes, try adding herbs like parsley or cilantro. They bring a vibrant touch and enhance the overall flavor. How you serve your pasta salad matters. Use a clear bowl to show off those colorful ingredients. This makes the dish look even more inviting. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra green onions or cherry tomatoes. It adds a pop of color and makes your salad look gourmet. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free twist, swap turkey bacon for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative. Mushrooms add a savory, umami flavor that makes the salad just as enjoyable. You can use any type of mushroom you like, but I recommend cremini or shiitake for the best taste. Their texture works well with the pasta and other fresh ingredients. For those who love a rich, creamy texture, you can increase the mayonnaise amount. Adding extra mayo makes every bite smooth and delicious. You can also mix in some Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a tangy flavor. This little trick packs in protein and keeps the salad feeling light. Want to boost the nutrition? Toss in more veggies! Bell peppers, cucumbers, and avocados are great choices. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness, while cucumbers bring a refreshing bite. Avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Each addition makes the salad even more colorful and tasty! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This way, it lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. I recommend eating it within this time for the best taste and texture. Freezing this pasta salad is not a good idea. The pasta can become mushy when thawed. You want to enjoy the crunch of fresh veggies and the softness of the pasta, not a soggy mess. When you pull out leftovers, give them a little refresh. A splash of vinegar or olive oil can brighten the flavors. Just mix it in well before serving. This simple trick will make your pasta salad taste almost as good as the first time! Yes, chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it perfect for meal prep. When you let the salad sit, the tastes blend together. This makes each bite even better. I often make this a day in advance. It saves time and gives me more chances to enjoy it later. This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. It adds a fresh, tasty side to any meal. I love serving it with grilled chicken or burgers. You can also enjoy it at picnics or barbecues. It’s a crowd-pleaser. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Just substitute rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. There are many types to choose from, like rice or corn pasta. They work well and taste great in this salad. This blog post guided you through making a tasty BLT pasta salad. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You learned how to tweak the recipe, store leftovers, and even explore variations. In the end, this dish is both simple and fun. It’s great for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy mixing flavors and colors to make it your own. Happy cooking!](https://cheftaling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3657cd51-653d-4020-bce8-bfff5510ef18-250x250.webp)
Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad
Discover the ultimate summer dish with this Damn Good BLT Pasta Salad! Ready in just 45 minutes, this flavorful salad combines rotini pasta, turkey bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crispy lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Click through to explore all the delicious details and make your meal a hit!