Summer BLT Bow Tie Pasta Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer all year round with this delightful Summer BLT Bow Tie Pasta Salad. A colorful medley of al dente bow tie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory crumbled bacon come together to create a satisfying dish that's packed with flavor. Enhanced by a creamy, zesty dressing featuring reduced-fat mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and a hint of white vinegar, each bite is a refreshing explosion reminiscent of your favorite BLT sandwich. Perfect as a main dish or as a crowd-pleasing side at summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks, this salad is sure to be a hit — so much so that you'll be sharing the recipe wherever you go!
10
Servings
280
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
2.5 cups (uncooked)
romaine lettuce
6 cups (torn)
cherry tomatoes
20 (bite-sized, halved)
bacon
6 strips (cooked and crumbled)
reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon (any flavor is good)
white vinegar
1.5 teaspoons (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the uncooked bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the torn romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
3
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the reduced-fat mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, white vinegar, and freshly cracked pepper until smooth and well combined.
4
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5
5. Serve immediately for the freshest taste; alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors meld together, then serve.
6
Note: This dish can also be enhanced with leftover grilled chicken, adding an extra layer of protein and flavor.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
28g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer BLT Bow Tie Pasta Delight?
Summer BLT Bow Tie Pasta Delight is a vibrant salad featuring al dente bow tie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory crumbled bacon with a zesty creamy dressing.
How many servings does this pasta recipe make?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this BLT pasta salad?
The main ingredients include bow tie pasta, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bacon, reduced-fat mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, white vinegar, and pepper.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 280 calories per serving.
How much pasta is required for the recipe?
You will need 2.5 cups of uncooked bow tie pasta.
What kind of lettuce should be used?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of torn romaine lettuce.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The 20 cherry tomatoes should be bite-sized and halved.
How much bacon is needed and how is it prepared?
You need 6 strips of bacon that have been cooked and crumbled.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of reduced-fat mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, white vinegar, and freshly cracked pepper.
How is the pasta cooked for this salad?
The bow tie pasta should be boiled according to package directions until it is al dente.
Is it necessary to rinse the pasta?
Yes, once cooked, you should drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?
Any flavor of barbecue sauce works well for this dressing.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of reduced-fat mayonnaise.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Yes, you can enhance the dish by adding leftover grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor.
What is the recommended serving time?
You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 8g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 28g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much white vinegar is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of white vinegar.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing side that is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks.
How should the ingredients be mixed in the bowl?
Combine the pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon in a large bowl and toss gently to mix evenly before adding the dressing.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It can be served as either a main dish or a side dish.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, blt, summer salad, easy recipe, one dish meal, lunch, and potluck.
What does the barbecue sauce add to the flavor?
The barbecue sauce provides a zesty flavor profile that complements the creamy mayonnaise and savory bacon.
How long should I boil the pasta?
Follow the specific package directions for bow tie pasta to reach an al dente texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While the recipe specifies bow tie pasta, you could use other small shapes, though the texture of the bow tie is traditional for this 'delight'.
Should the bacon be hot when added?
The recipe implies the bacon should be cooked and crumbled, and since the pasta is cooled, the bacon can be at room temperature.
How do you ensure the dressing is applied evenly?
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.