BLT Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz rotini pasta - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this BLT Pasta Salad, I love using rotini pasta. Its shape holds the dressing well. You can swap it for penne or fusilli if you want. The crispy turkey bacon adds a nice crunch. You can also use regular bacon if you prefer. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of color. Halving them makes them easy to eat. Romaine lettuce adds freshness and a nice green crunch. You can mix in other greens if you like. The dressing is simple but tasty. Mayonnaise gives a creamy base. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth to the flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. For garnish, the fresh parsley not only looks nice, but it also adds a hint of earthiness. You could skip it, but I always recommend using it for that perfect finish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to pull it all together! - Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions. - Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. - Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl. This keeps flavors bright and fresh. - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss. Make sure every piece gets coated. - Let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. For the full recipe, check the details earlier in the article. Adjusting the seasoning makes a big difference. If you want more flavor, add more mayo, salt, or pepper. Always taste your salad before serving. This helps you find the right balance. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors mix together. You’ll enjoy a richer taste this way. To cook rotini pasta to al dente, follow the package instructions carefully. Usually, this means boiling it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Test it a minute before the timer goes off. The pasta should be tender but still firm. After cooking, drain and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly. For crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and flip the bacon often. You want it to be golden brown and crunchy. Once done, place it on paper towels to soak up extra grease. Garnishing with parsley adds a nice touch. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the salad just before serving. This makes the dish look fresh and colorful. For the best presentation, serve the salad in a chilled bowl. The cool bowl keeps the salad fresh and makes it more appealing. Enjoy your beautiful BLT Pasta Salad! {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type in this recipe. Try penne or fusilli for a new twist. Each shape holds the dressing differently, giving you varied bites. If you want a healthier option, swap turkey bacon for regular bacon or use a meat alternative. Many brands make tasty vegan bacon that fits well in this salad. Feel free to add more veggies for extra crunch and flavor. Cucumber slices, bell peppers, or even corn can brighten the dish. You might also want to mix in cheese. Feta or parmesan adds creaminess and depth. Just chop it up and sprinkle it in for a delightful surprise. Dressing can change your whole dish. You can use a creamy dressing for a rich taste. Alternatively, choose a vinaigrette for a lighter option. For a fresh twist, try using Greek yogurt as the base. This gives a tangy flavor and cuts down on calories. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To store your leftover BLT pasta salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any odors from the fridge. The salad will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture, it's best to throw it away. Freezing pasta salad is possible, but I do not recommend it for this recipe. The lettuce and tomatoes can turn mushy when thawed. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before serving. When you're ready to serve the salad after storage, give it a good stir. This helps mix the flavors together again. If the salad seems dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of apple cider vinegar to refresh it. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold! You can use regular bacon if you prefer. It adds a nice crunch. If you want a meatless option, consider using tempeh or mushrooms. They can give a savory taste without meat. Another choice is to use crispy tofu. It works well and soaks up flavors nicely. Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This dish tastes even better after the flavors blend together. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta like rice or corn pasta. These options cook just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking time. To keep the flavor strong, add extra herbs or spices. Fresh veggies will also help keep it tasty. For the full recipe, you can refer to the detailed instructions above. To wrap up, this BLT Pasta Salad combines rotini, turkey bacon, and fresh veggies. The creamy dressing ties it all together. You can personalize it by swapping ingredients or adding more veggies. Remember, chilling the salad enhances the flavor. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This salad is a great dish for any occasion. I hope you feel inspired to make your own tasty version! Enjoy every bite!$

Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic salad? Try this delicious BLT Pasta Salad! With rotini pasta, crispy turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce, it's a perfect summer dish. The creamy dressing made of mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar adds a tasty kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Click to discover how to make this delightful salad and impress your friends and family!

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Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add a bit more mayonnaise.

Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

When ready to serve, give the salad another good toss, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for garnish, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4