There’s something incredibly comforting about a salad that marries crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing with pasta—enter this **BLT Pasta Salad Recipe**. What makes it stand out? It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel like a classic BLT sandwich got a fun, fresh pasta makeover.

A white bowl filled with a creamy spiral pasta salad showing about four layers: the base layer has light beige spiral pasta with a smooth texture; scattered throughout are bright red halved cherry tomatoes with a shiny surface; small cubes of orange cheddar cheese add pops of color; chunks of green avocado with a soft texture are mixed in; pieces of green leafy lettuce add freshness around the edges; bits of crispy bacon are visible in reddish-brown strips; everything is coated lightly in a creamy dressing giving a slight gloss; a wooden spoon rests on the side inside the bowl; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe because it’s not your everyday pasta salad — it’s loaded with those familiar, crave-worthy BLT flavors in every bite, plus a tangy ranch dressing that really ties everything together. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but still fresh and bright.

Flavor-packed combination: Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch dressing make each forkful a delight.
Fresh but hearty: Romaine and tomatoes add crunch and juiciness, while the rotini pasta fills you up.
Easy to make: It comes together quickly, perfect for weekend gatherings or meal prep.
Big crowd pleaser: This salad serves a bunch, which means everyone can dig in.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three layers: the base layer is spiral rotini pasta in a creamy white dressing, mixed with small green lettuce pieces and chopped red onions; the middle layer includes bright orange cheese cubes and crispy bacon bits scattered evenly; the top layer is decorated with halved cherry tomatoes showing their juicy red interiors, and fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe plays a special role to create that delightful balance of creaminess, crunch, and savory flavor. When shopping, pick the freshest veggies and good-quality bacon—it really makes a difference. Also, opting for rotini pasta is key because its spirals hold onto the dressing perfectly.

Flat lay of cooked rotini pasta with its spiral shapes, crispy chopped bacon pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy green avocado chunks, finely diced red onion, fresh torn romaine lettuce leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, all beautifully arranged in a colorful and inviting composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape grabs onto the dressing and mix-ins like a charm.
Bacon: Cook it until crispy for that satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite that contrasts well with creamy elements.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for bursts of rich, savory cheesiness throughout.
Romaine Lettuce: Offers fresh crunch; add it just before serving for best texture.
Avocado: Creamy and buttery, it cools down the salad and adds a luscious texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they brighten the overall flavor.
Parsley: Fresh and herbaceous, it adds a subtle pop of green.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: Gives that classic tangy ranch flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Combine to create the creamy, dreamy dressing coating every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe depending on the mood. Sometimes I swap romaine for baby spinach or add a splash of hot sauce into the dressing for a little kick. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—it's forgiving and adaptable!

Variation: Adding grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs is a great way to bump up the protein for a more filling meal.
Dietary swap: Use vegan mayo and tofu bacon for a plant-based version that still packs flavor.
Seasonal touch: In place of cherry tomatoes, try diced cucumbers or roasted corn in summer for extra freshness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip up that luscious dressing

Start by combining the dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this resting time helps the flavors really meld, making the dressing tangier and more flavorful.

Step 2: Cook and cool your pasta

Boil the rotini pasta following package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. This keeps the salad from becoming mushy and helps the dressing cling better.

Step 3: Combine the star ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the pasta, chopped crispy bacon, diced red onions, cubed cheddar cheese, avocado pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, parsley, and chopped romaine lettuce. Pour the chilled dressing over and gently toss everything with tongs, making sure every bite is coated without smashing the avocado.

Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy

This salad is best eaten right away to enjoy the crisp romaine and fresh avocado. If you plan on making it ahead, I recommend holding off on adding the lettuce and dressing until just before eating.

Top Tip

Over time, I learned a few little things that take this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe from good to great—small tweaks that ensure the salad stays fresh, flavors pop, and textures shine. Here are some essentials that really made a difference for me:

Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the rotini from getting mushy when cooled and mixed with dressing.
Keep lettuce fresh: Add romaine last or right before serving; it gets soggy quickly once tossed with dressing.
Chill your dressing: Refrigerating the ranch-mayo mix helps intensify the flavors for a richer taste.
Handle avocado gently: Fold it in at the end and toss lightly to avoid mushiness and keep lovely chunks.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this salad with an extra sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crisp bacon bits for good measure. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it up beautifully just before serving.

Side Dishes

This BLT Pasta Salad pairs like a charm with grilled chicken breasts, barbecue ribs, or even light sandwiches. On busy days, I serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or little lettuce cups for finger-friendly bites. You can also layer it in a clear trifle dish to show off all those colorful ingredients—it’s a real eye-catcher!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container and keep the salad refrigerated, but only for up to 24 hours because the lettuce and avocado don’t hold up well after that. If you want to enjoy it later, just refrigerate the salad without the lettuce and add fresh greens when serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really a great option here because the fresh veggies and creamy dressing lose their texture and flavor after thawing. Best to enjoy this salad fresh!

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary—and reheating would change its fresh, crisp character.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works best for holding onto the dressing, penne or bowtie pasta can also be delicious alternatives. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente and thoroughly rinsed

How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?

To slow browning, toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon or lime juice before mixing them into the salad. Adding the avocado last and serving the salad soon after mixing also helps maintain its bright color.

Can I make the BLT Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the bacon for a smoky tempeh or coconut bacon alternative, use a vegan mayo, and opt for a plant-based sour cream or yogurt. The flavors will be different but still tasty and satisfying.

Is it better to add the lettuce before serving or can I mix it in earlier?

For the freshest crunch, add the lettuce just before serving. If mixed in too early, especially with the dressing, the romaine will get soggy quickly and lose its crispness.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the perfect go-to when I want something that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope you have as much fun making (and eating!) this as I do sharing it with friends.