Zesty BLT Pasta Delight
This irresistible Zesty BLT Pasta Delight is a game-changer for any gathering! Combining the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with hearty pasta, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests raving. The special dressing, featuring a hint of barbecue sauce, adds a delightful zip and complexity that elevates this dish above the typical pasta salad. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a comforting side, it's no wonder this is the only pasta salad my husband will happily devour. Expect to share the recipe—everyone will be asking for it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
7 ounces (Cook according to package instructions)
bacon
8 slices (Cooked crisp and crumbled)
roma tomatoes
3 (Diced)
iceberg lettuce
1/2 head (Shredded)
green onions
3-4 (Chopped)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (N/A)
barbecue sauce
1/2 cup (Preferably original flavor)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
lemon juice
2-3 tablespoons (Fresh squeezed preferred)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, place it on paper towels to drain and cool before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
2
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
3. While the pasta is cooking and cooling, chop the Roma tomatoes, green onions, and crumble the cooled bacon.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to mix.
5
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
6
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
7
7. Just before serving, shred the iceberg lettuce and fold it into the salad for a fresh and crunchy texture. Give it one last good stir to incorporate the lettuce.
8
8. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty BLT Pasta Delight?
Zesty BLT Pasta Delight is a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that combines the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with a unique barbecue-infused dressing.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked al dente.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and then crumbled.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 3 Roma tomatoes, diced.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Half a head of iceberg lettuce is used to provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
When should the lettuce be added to the salad?
Shred and fold in the iceberg lettuce just before serving to ensure it stays crisp.
How many green onions are required?
You should use 3 to 4 chopped green onions.
What are the components of the special dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What kind of barbecue sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, preferably in the original flavor.
How much lemon juice should I add?
Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best results.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and keeps it from becoming too soft.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a perfect crowd-pleaser for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is specified, you could substitute other small pasta shapes like rotini if needed.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain on paper towels before crumbling.
What makes this dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of barbecue sauce and fresh lemon juice adds a delightful zip and complexity to the mayonnaise base.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can cook the pasta and bacon and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but add the lettuce last.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Fresh squeezed lemon juice is preferred for a brighter flavor, though bottled can be used as a substitute.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate small bowl until smooth before pouring it over the pasta.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is to fry the bacon until it is crisp.
How many Roma tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 3 diced Roma tomatoes.
Is the bacon crumbled or chopped?
The bacon is crumbled into bite-sized pieces after it has cooled.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While often served as a side, the inclusion of pasta and bacon makes it hearty enough for a light main meal.
What is the texture of the final salad?
The salad is creamy from the dressing with a crunch from the fresh iceberg lettuce and bacon.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this Zesty BLT Pasta Delight.