Refreshing BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing
This delightful BLT Pasta Salad brings together the classic flavors of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich in a refreshing pasta dish. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light family meal, this salad features a creamy dressing with a hint of lemon that complements the salty bacon and vibrant veggies. It’s ideal for those scorching hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Serve it chilled as a side or main dish, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
1 cup (none)
Lemon Juice Concentrate
1/4 cup (none)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Chicken Flavor Instant Bouillon
2 teaspoons (none)
Rotini Pasta or Other Pasta
1 (7 ounce) package (cooked and drained)
Bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Large Tomato
1 (seeded and chopped)
Green Onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
Lettuce
4 cups (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, and chicken flavor bouillon until smooth and well combined. This will be your creamy dressing.
2
In another large bowl, combine the cooked and drained rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients together.
3
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Just before serving, gently fold in the thinly sliced lettuce to keep it crisp and fresh.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy this refreshing dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing BLT Pasta Salad?
It is a pasta dish that incorporates the classic flavors of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with a creamy, lemon-hinted dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include rotini pasta, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, mayonnaise, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, and chicken bouillon.
How do I make the creamy dressing for the salad?
Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, and chicken flavor bouillon until the mixture is smooth.
What type of pasta is recommended for this BLT salad?
Rotini pasta is suggested, but other short pasta shapes like penne or bow-tie can also be used.
Can I use salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use either mayonnaise or a similar salad dressing based on your preference.
What provides the tangy flavor in the dressing?
The tanginess comes from the 1/4 cup of lemon juice concentrate.
Why is sugar added to the pasta salad dressing?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the lemon juice and the saltiness of the bouillon and bacon.
What is the purpose of chicken flavor bouillon in this recipe?
It acts as a seasoning agent to add savory depth to the creamy dressing.
How should the bacon be prepared for the salad?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and then chopped into bite-sized pieces.
When should I add the lettuce to the pasta salad?
The thinly sliced lettuce should be folded in gently just before serving to ensure it stays crisp.
Can this pasta salad be made in advance?
You can prepare the pasta and dressing ahead of time, but wait until you are ready to serve before adding the lettuce.
Is this BLT pasta salad served warm or cold?
This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature.
How should the green onions be sliced?
The green onions should be sliced thinly for even distribution throughout the salad.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of concentrate?
Yes, you can substitute fresh lemon juice, though you may need to adjust the amount to achieve the desired level of tartness.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for scorching hot days and summer picnics.
What is the texture of the lettuce in this salad?
The lettuce provides a fresh, crisp crunch that contrasts with the soft pasta and creamy dressing.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly; vegetables like cucumbers, corn, or bell peppers would make excellent additions.
How much pasta does this recipe require?
You will need one 7-ounce package of rotini pasta.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative if you are looking for a leaner protein option.
How do I ensure the dressing coats everything evenly?
Stir the dressing into the pasta, bacon, and vegetable mixture thoroughly before adding the lettuce.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it involves simple steps of whisking, mixing, and tossing, making it a quick and easy meal.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely, it works well as either a satisfying main dish or a refreshing side dish.
What should I do with the tomato seeds?
The recipe recommends seeding the tomatoes to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Can I add cheese to this BLT pasta salad?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar or cubes of Monterey Jack would complement the flavors well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though the lettuce may soften over time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can make it vegetarian by using plant-based bacon bits and vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.
Does the recipe include salt?
The chicken flavor bouillon and bacon usually provide enough salt, so additional salt is not typically necessary.
How much lettuce is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of thinly sliced lettuce.