It’s true—everything is better with bacon! In this recipe, the classic BLT sandwich is transformed into pasta perfection.

It’s a unique side that you can serve at barbecues alongside burgers, chicken or fish entrées, or enjoy as a generous helping for a luscious lunch or fuss-free supper. It’s a very versatile dish.

You can swap the dressing: Top your bowl with Italian-style dressing (bottled or homemade) for a Mediterranean spin or enjoy it with creamy Bacon-Buttermilk for a traditional take. Add pearl mozzarella balls or feta crumbles. Top with jalapeños, diced chicken or avocado—you’re the boss of your bowl.

Try my Kale Pesto Macaroni Salad.

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BLT Pasta Salad

It’s true—everything is better with bacon! In this recipe, the classic BLT sandwich is transformed into pasta perfection.
Servings: 14 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta, preferably whole grain
  • 12 ounces ~20 slices cooked turkey bacon, divided
  • 4 cups baby arugula leaves, about 4 handfuls
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Bacon Buttermilk Dressing (makes 1 cup)

  • ½ cup light sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 to 3 strips cooked turkey bacon, finely minced
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped scallion, green onion or chives
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, make the dressing by tossing all ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
  • Slice all the cooked turkey bacon (with the exception of the few strips you minced for the dressing) into about 1-inch pieces.
  • Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with the bacon, tomato halves, baby arugula leaves and dressing. Or, serve the dressing on the side and let everyone mix in their own.

Notes

A serving is 2 cups pasta salad with 2 tablespoons dressing.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Serving Size: 2cupsCalories: 240Carbohydrates: 27gProtein: 12gTotal Fat: 9g— Unsaturated Fat: 6g— Saturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 430mgFiber: 4gTotal Sugar: 4g— Natural Sugar: 4g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!