Summer is finally here, which means BBQ season is officially in full swing. While burgers and hot dogs are the main event, we all know that a cookout is truly judged by its side dishes.
If you want to bring the bowl that comes back completely scraped clean, you need to make this Creamy BLT Pasta Salad.
Everyone loves a classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich. But when you transform those iconic, savory flavors into a summer pasta salad, you get the most highly requested side dish of the year. It’s creamy, crunchy, smoky, and absolutely addictive. Tossed in a quick, zesty homemade ranch dressing, this recipe is guaranteed to be the star of your next summer party!
🛒 The Ingredients (For the Perfect Crunch)
The secret to this salad is making sure you have bold, distinct textures in every single bite.
- 1 lb (16 oz) Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle). (The little “bowties” hold the creamy dressing perfectly!).
- 1 lb Thick-Cut Bacon, cooked extra crispy and crumbled.
- 2 cups Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved.
- 4 cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced.
The Creamy Ranch Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise (Use real mayo!).
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (or plain Greek Yogurt).
- 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix.
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (This adds a crucial zesty “tang” that cuts through the rich bacon fat!).
- 1 tbsp Milk (just to thin the dressing).
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil & Shock the Pasta 🧊
Cook your bowtie pasta in heavily salted water until al dente.
Crucial Step: Immediately drain the pasta and run it under ice-cold water until it is completely chilled. This stops the cooking process and prevents your pasta salad from becoming a mushy, sticky block. Shake off all excess water!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, and milk until perfectly smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Base
In a massive serving bowl, add your cold pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: The Golden “Soggy-Free” Rule 🛑
You can prep the salad up to this point a day in advance and keep it in the fridge!
HOWEVER: Do not add the lettuce and bacon until right before serving! If you add them too early, the dressing will wilt the crisp romaine lettuce into a soggy mess, and the bacon will lose all of its crunch in the fridge.
Step 5: The Final Toss
Right as your guests are arriving (or right before you hit the buffet line at the cookout), fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and the crispy bacon crumbles. Give it one final, gentle toss and serve immediately!
💡 Meal Prep Tip:
Want to eat this for lunch during the week? Keep the dressed pasta/tomato mixture in one large Tupperware. Keep your chopped lettuce and bacon bits in separate Ziplock bags. Each morning, just grab a portion of the pasta, throw a handful of lettuce and bacon on top, and you have a perfectly crisp summer lunch for the office!
