Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s a sweltering summer afternoon, you’re craving something satisfying but the thought of standing there is unbearable. What makes you cry over a hot stove? When is this a good time toBLT Penne Pasta Salad: What areWhat comes to the rescue? Is it like a classic BLT sandwich? What is a good pasta salad for preparing potlucks? Is it easier to throw together than potato salad?
What is BLT Penne Pasta Salad?
Think of it as your favorite BLT sandwich, deconstructed and reimagined as a pasta salad. We’re talking perfectly cooked penne pasta (because those little ridges are *amazing* for catching all the sauce!), crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s essentially a complete meal in a bowl, and it’s surprisingly easy to customize. You can add grilled chicken or avocado for extra protein and healthy fats, or swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bacon from breakfast, too. Less waste, more flavor – win-win!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do I love this book?BLT Penne Pasta Salad., but let me just highlight a few. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The salty bacon, sweet tomatoes, tangy dressing, and hearty pasta create a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for more. It’s the perfect balance of savory and refreshing, which is exactly what you want on a hot day.
Secondly, it’s incredibly simple to make. Seriously, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And the best part? It’s mostly hands-off cooking. While the pasta boils and the bacon cooks, you can chop the veggies and make the dressing. Easy peasy!
Thirdly, this recipe is so cost-effective. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have many of them in your pantry and fridge. Bacon can be a bit pricey sometimes, but you can definitely get away with using a cheaper brand for this recipe. Trust me, the dressing does all the work.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even a light lunch. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Honestly, what I love most is that everyone always asks for the recipe! It’s a guaranteed hit, like my grandma’s mac and cheese, but way easier to transport.
How do I make a BLT Penne Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this BLT Penne Pasta Salad: What areHow do you cook pasta and bacon? What’s the best way to make a creamy dressing? Is it safe to toss everything together and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes? How do flavors meld? How do you cook pasta al dente? I find that this recipe tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time.
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound penne pasta
* 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. * 4 slices ham, served with arugula
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the step-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Why do I need mushy pasta?
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. I always sneak a piece at this stage – quality control, you know?
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half. Wash romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a salad spinner to make sure the lettuce is completely dry, otherwise the salad can get ruined. Is it possible to get a little watery
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Set aside. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste the dressing at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a little extra sugar if the tomatoes are particularly tart.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Set aside. What’s the best dressing to serve with salad? Make sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the better it tastes. Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This BLT Penne Pasta Salad.Is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes.For a Barbecue:Serve it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. What is a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill?For a Picnic:Pack it in a container with some sandwiches, fruit, chips, and sour cream for the perfect picnic lunch.For a Potluck:What are the best ways to bring a potluck and watch it disappear?For a light lunch:What is a good salad to serve on its own? Is it filling and satisfying without being too heavy? My family loves this with grilled corn on the cob, especially on a hot summer evening. What is the sweetness of corn that complements the savory bacon and tangy bacon? What are some tips for
How do I make a BLT Penne Pasta Salad?
Don’t overcook Pasta!Make sure to cook pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold its shape in salad.What is Crispy Bacon? The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces. Soggy bacon will ruin the texture of the salad. I always use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and lettuce will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the salad. If possible, use locally grown produce for the best taste.
Don’t Add the Dressing Too Early: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the lettuce from wilting and the salad from becoming soggy.
Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the dressing to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more sugar. If you like a tangier dressing, add a little more apple cider vinegar. I’ve even added a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they’re easy to eat.
Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to cook it until crispy before adding it to the salad.
One trick I learned after a particularly disastrous attempt: make sure the lettuce is completely dry before adding it to the salad. Otherwise, the dressing will get watered down and the salad will be less flavorful. I now use a salad spinner religiously!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This BLT Penne Pasta Salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days, but the lettuce may start to wilt after the first day. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if it’s a hot day. The mayonnaise in the dressing can spoil if left out for too long.
Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle to the bottom.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the pasta and lettuce will become mushy when thawed. Plus, the dressing tends to separate, and it just doesn’t taste the same. Trust me, I’ve tried it!
Glaze Timing Advice: N/A (no glaze in this recipe)
I find that adding a little extra fresh lettuce right before serving helps to revive the salad if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This BLT Penne Pasta Salad is truly a summer staple at my house, and I hope it becomes one for you too. It’s quick, easy, affordable, and packed with flavor. What more could you ask for? If you’re looking for other easy pasta salad recipes, be sure to check out my creamy pesto pasta salad or my Mediterranean orzo salad. They’re both just as delicious and perfect for summer gatherings. Happy cooking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
BLT Penne Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Penne pasta
- 6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 5 ounces Lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups Tomatoes, diced
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
