Delicious 7-Step BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in 2026

Summer is the season of sun, fresh produce, and laid-back meals, and nothing captures that vibe quite like a BLT Pasta Salad.

It’s everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich bacon, lettuce, and tomato but with a hearty, satisfying twist. Thanks to pasta and a creamy homemade ranch dressing that ties it all together.

Whether you’re prepping for a BBQ, picnic, or just a casual weeknight dinner, this BLT Pasta Salad delivers freshness, flavor, and that comforting bite we all crave.

So grab your apron, and let’s turn your favorite sandwich into your new favorite salad!

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

BLT sandwiches are already a classic. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce? That combo never fails. But now, imagine all of that deliciousness… tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a creamy homemade ranch dressing.

That’s right, we’re taking the best parts of the sandwich and giving it a refreshing summer twist in salad form.

This BLT Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that makes you want to eat outdoors, with the sun on your skin and a big spoonful of summer flavors on your plate. It’s light enough to enjoy during a hot day but still hearty and filling thanks to the pasta and bacon.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or showing up to a backyard BBQ.

What makes this recipe shine is how balanced it is:

It’s fresh from the crisp romaine and grape tomatoes.
It’s savory and indulgent, thanks to the bacon.
It’s satisfying from the pasta.
And it’s all tied together with a creamy, zesty homemade ranch dressing that’s packed with herbs.

If you’re like me and want meals that don’t feel too heavy but still keep you full and happy, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for summer, but honestly? You’ll want it year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple while delivering big flavor. You only need a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients to make this pasta salad come to life. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready:

🌿 For the Salad Base

Ingredient	Details
Pasta	Use 1 lb of your favorite short pasta. Rotini is great because it holds dressing well.
Bacon	1 pint, halved. Sweet, juicy, and perfectly sized for a fork.
Romaine Lettuce	2 hearts of romaine, chopped and washed. It adds crunch and freshness.
Grape Tomatoes	1 pint, halved. Sweet, juicy, and perfectly fork-sized.
Red Onion (optional)	A few thin slices add a sharp bite. Totally optional, but adds great flavor.

✅ Tip: Use a salad spinner to get your lettuce dry and crisp—no one likes soggy greens!

🥣 For the Homemade Ranch Dressing

If you want to take your pasta salad to the next level, skip the bottle and make this creamy, herby ranch from scratch. It’s super easy and makes a big difference in taste.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Mayonnaise	½ cup	Forms the creamy base of the dressing
Sour Cream	¼ cup	Adds tang and richness
Milk or Buttermilk	¼–½ cup	Thins the dressing; buttermilk adds extra zing
Lemon Juice	From 1 lemon	Brightens the flavors with acidity
Dried Dill	1 teaspoon	Classic ranch herb that pairs beautifully with veggies
Dried Chives	1 teaspoon	Adds a subtle oniony flavor
Garlic Powder	1 teaspoon	Boosts savory depth
Onion Powder	1 teaspoon	Rounds out the flavor with mild sweetness
Dried Basil	1 teaspoon	Adds a touch of earthy, peppery warmth
Salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances all the other flavors
Black Pepper	½ teaspoon	Adds a mild heat and complexity

🥛 Want that signature ranch tang? Buttermilk is your best friend.

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

If you’re ready to transform your favorite sandwich into the ultimate summer pasta salad, you’re in the right place. This BLT Pasta Salad is easy to make, fun, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts.

Whether you’re a total beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect result.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Let’s start with the foundation of the dish—the pasta.

🥄 What You’ll Need:

1 lb rotini or any short pasta (bowtie, penne, or fusilli also work)
A large pot of water
1 tablespoon of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to salt it generously. This is your one shot to season the pasta from within.
Add your pasta and give it a quick stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Boil for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

💡 Pro Tip: Rinsing the pasta is essential for pasta salad, it cools it down and removes excess starch that can make the salad gluey.

Set the pasta aside and let it air dry while you move on to the best part—the bacon.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy and Golden

Bacon is the heart and soul of any BLT, and this salad is no exception. The texture, the crunch, the flavor, it brings everything together.

🥓 What You’ll Need:

1 lb thick-cut bacon
A skillet (or air fryer or oven)
Paper towels

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

If using a skillet, lay the bacon strips flat without overlapping and cook over medium heat. Flip occasionally to ensure even crispiness. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F and cook for 8–10 minutes. It’s fast, mess-free, and keeps your kitchen cool.
Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it cool and drain the excess grease.

Once the bacon is cool, please give it a rough chop. Not too fine, you want those beautiful, crunchy pieces to stand out in every bite.

🔥 Sizzle Moment: Take 5 seconds to appreciate that irresistible sound of bacon sizzling in the pan. That’s flavor in the making!

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Veggies

Time to handle the “L” and “T” in BLT, plus a bonus veggie for extra flair.

🥬 What You’ll Need:

2 hearts of romaine lettuce
1 pint of grape tomatoes
¼ small red onion (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Lettuce: Chop your romaine into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix and eat. Rinse the chopped lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner to keep it crisp.
Tomatoes: Slice your grape tomatoes in half. Their natural sweetness and juicy centers bring balance to the smoky bacon and creamy dressing.
Red Onion (optional): Slice thinly into slivers. It adds a slight sharpness and color contrast that’s delicious.

🥗 Freshness Tip: Always dry your lettuce thoroughly. Water can dilute your dressing and turn your salad soggy.

Now that all your elements are prepped, let’s start building the salad base!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Ingredients

Here’s where things start getting fun, you’re layering flavor, texture, and color in one big beautiful bowl.

🥣 What You’ll Do:

Grab a large mixing bowl—bigger than you think you need.
Add in your cooled pasta first.
Toss in the halved grape tomatoes.
Add the chopped romaine lettuce.
Sprinkle in the chopped bacon (try not to snack on too much while doing this!).
Top it all off with thin slices of red onion, if using.

At this point, gently toss everything to mix the ingredients without bruising the lettuce.

🎨 Presentation Hack: Want to impress? Layer the ingredients in sections in a clear bowl for a colorful visual effect before mixing.

But wait—we’re not done yet. We need a dressing that does this epic salad justice.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Homemade Ranch Dressing

Store-bought dressing is fine… but when homemade ranch is this easy and this good, why not go the extra mile?

🥄 Ingredients Recap:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lemon
¼–½ cup milk or buttermilk
1 tsp each: dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, basil
½ tsp each: salt and black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo and sour cream until smooth.
Add a zesty punch by squeezing in the lemon juice.
Add all your spices and herbs. These give your ranch its signature flavor.
Slowly whisk in the milk or buttermilk, adding a bit at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not watery.

🧄 Flavor Boost: Let the dressing sit for 10–15 minutes before pouring—it helps the herbs bloom.

Now for the best part…

Step 6: Dress the Salad and Toss

It’s time to bring this dish to life!

🥣 Final Instructions:

Pour the homemade ranch dressing over your assembled salad. You can start with half and add more to taste.
Gently toss everything together with tongs or a large spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lettuce fluffy and bacon crispy.
Taste test. Want more salt? A dash of pepper? A little more dressing? Adjust to your heart’s content.

And voilà—your BLT Pasta Salad is ready to serve!

🌟 Make-Ahead Tip: Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your BLT Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature, and watch it disappear in minutes. It’s a complete meal on its own or a perfect side to grilled chicken, burgers, or BBQ.

This recipe yields 6–8 generous servings, making it perfect for a party, but don’t be surprised if your guests go back for seconds (and even thirds).

Tips for the Best BLT Pasta Salad

Making a great pasta salad is one thing, but making the best one is all about the little tricks that bring out the flavor and keep everything fresh. Whether this is your first time making BLT Pasta Salad or it’s already a staple in your recipe rotation, these tips will ensure it’s a hit every single time.

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

You want your pasta to be firm enough to hold up against the juicy tomatoes and creamy dressing. Boil it until just al dente—a slight chew makes all the difference.

2. Cool the Pasta Completely

Warm pasta will wilt your lettuce and thin out your dressing. Rinse it with cold water right after draining, and let it cool before mixing.

3. Use Crisp Bacon

No soggy bacon allowed! Make sure it’s nice and crispy before chopping. If it cools too quickly, pop it in the air fryer or oven for a minute to revive the crunch.

4. Dry the Lettuce Well

Lettuce adds crunch—but only if it’s dry. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to remove moisture before tossing it in.

5. Toss Gently

Once your ingredients are in the bowl, mix gently. You want to keep the bacon crispy, the lettuce fluffy, and the pasta from breaking.

6. Dress Just Before Serving (If Prepping Ahead)

If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce and dressing until just before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the assembled salad (without lettuce or dressing) chill for 30 minutes before serving. It brings the flavors together beautifully!

Delicious Variations to Try

Love the classic BLT combo but want to switch things up? This pasta salad is incredibly versatile. You can mix and match ingredients based on your taste, what you have on hand, or the occasion.

Here are some fun variations to keep it interesting:

Variation	What to Add or Swap	Why It Works
BLTA Pasta Salad	Add diced avocado	Creamy and buttery—adds healthy fats and richness
Spicy Kick	Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes	Great for spice lovers who want a bold twist
BLT Ranch Chicken Pasta	Add grilled or shredded chicken	Turns it into a protein-packed full meal
Vegetarian Twist	Replace bacon with smoky roasted chickpeas	Adds crunch and keeps it plant-based
Balsamic Version	Swap ranch with balsamic vinaigrette	For a tangy, lighter option that feels more Mediterranean
Pesto Pasta Salad BLT	Swap ranch with basil pesto	Cheese makes everything better It’s rich and comforting
Cheesy Delight	Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella pearls	Cheese makes everything better. It’s rich and comforting

🎨 Mix it up! This recipe is like a blank canvas—you can customize it based on cravings, dietary needs, or even what’s in your fridge.

Serving Ideas: When and How to Enjoy It

One of the best things about BLT Pasta Salad is that it fits almost any occasion. It’s versatile, transportable, and crowd-pleasing. Here’s how and when you can serve it:

🏕️ Picnics & Potlucks: It’s easy to make in bulk and doesn’t need reheating.
🔥 BBQs & Cookouts: Serve as a side with grilled burgers, ribs, or corn on the cob.
🥗 Weeknight Dinner: Pair with soup, grilled chicken, or enjoy on its own.
🍱 Meal Prep Lunches: Portion out your meals in containers for ready-to-go weekday meals.
🎉 Family Gatherings: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves this dish.
🌞 Summer Celebrations: Fresh and cool, it’s ideal for hot weather days.

🧊 Serving tip: For the freshest taste, serve cold or chilled. The flavors pop more after it’s had a little time in the fridge!

FAQs

1. Can I make BLT pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! To keep it fresh, prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Mix everything, especially the lettuce and dressing, right before serving to avoid sogginess.

2. What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

Short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, penne, or bowties, works best because it holds the dressing well and makes it easy to get a perfect bite of pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

3. How do I keep the bacon crispy in the salad?

Let the bacon cool completely and add it just before serving. You can also cook it extra crispy or reheat it in the oven or air fryer for a quick refresh before mixing.

4. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! While homemade ranch adds fresh herb flavor, store-bought ranch is a quick and easy alternative if you’re short on time.

5. Is this pasta salad okay for vegetarians?

It can be! Just leave out the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative, such as smoky tempeh, coconut bacon, or roasted chickpeas, for a crunchy, savory touch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite, this BLT Pasta Salad is it. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh.

All the things we crave when the sun is out and the grill is hot. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is filled with wholesome, colorful ingredients that make every bite feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re prepping it for a casual dinner, bringing it to a backyard BBQ, or packing it for lunch, this salad delivers every time. And the best part? It’s flexible. You can mix, match, and customize it with your favorite extras (hello, avocado and spicy ranch!).

So go ahead, save this recipe, share it, and make it your new summer staple. Your future self will thank you.

Delicious 7-Step BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in 2026

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need