Best 2 20 Minute Blt Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a quick and easy pasta salad that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich into a delightful meal. This 20-minute BLT pasta salad incorporates crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a creamy ranch dressing, all tossed with tender pasta.

In addition to the main recipe, this article also offers variations to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with crumbled tofu or tempeh. For a gluten-free option, use your preferred gluten-free pasta. The creamy ranch dressing can be made from scratch or store-bought to save time.

This versatile pasta salad can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a packed lunch. It's perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BLT PASTA SALAD



BLT Pasta Salad image

This is an easy but flavorful pasta salad that I'm always asked to bring to potlucks. With chunks of onion, tomato, and bacon, smothered in Ranch dressing, it is full of flavor! This salad tastes best if made several hours ahead of time.

Provided by Kristy Hopkins

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) package medium seashell pasta
1 pound sliced bacon
1 ½ cups light Ranch-style salad dressing
1 small onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crisp. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the Ranch dressing, onion, and tomatoes. Mix in the cooled pasta. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing, so don't worry if it seems like too much. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Crumble bacon over the top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.5 calories, Carbohydrate 38.2 g, Cholesterol 26.5 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 12.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 711.2 mg, Sugar 4 g

BLT PASTA SALAD WITH MAYO



BLT Pasta Salad with Mayo image

This salad really does taste like a BLT sandwich!

Provided by lgmarge

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 6h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (7 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 pound bacon, diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large avocado, diced
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip®)
⅓ cup tomato-based chile sauce
¼ cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 large tomato - cored, seeded, and diced
½ cup sliced green onion tops
6 cups shredded lettuce

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Refrigerate when cool.
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons lemon juice over the diced avocado.
  • Combine mayonnaise, creamy dressing, chile sauce, 1/4 cup lemon juice, chicken bouillon, and sugar. Stir in the cooked macaroni, avocado, tomato, and green onions. Cover tightly and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 6 hours. Mix in lettuce and the reserved bacon just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425 calories, Carbohydrate 31.7 g, Cholesterol 30.8 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 12.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 888.7 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta salad. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes, bacon, and lettuce for the best results.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta that is cooked al dente will hold its shape better in the salad and won't get mushy.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Toss the pasta with just enough dressing to coat it, and add more if needed.
  • Chill the salad before serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and makes it more refreshing.
  • Serve the salad with a variety of toppings: You can serve this salad with a variety of toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese.

Conclusion:

This 20-minute BLT pasta salad is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is made with fresh, ripe ingredients and is packed with flavor. You can customize the salad to your liking by adding different toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese.

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