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To make a tasty BLT pasta salad, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz. rotini pasta - 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/3 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish You can add your own spin to this salad. Here are some ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Grated cheese for extra flavor - Bell peppers for crunch - Fresh herbs like basil or dill - Grilled chicken for more protein Each serving of this BLT pasta salad has: - Calories: 320 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 36g - Fat: 14g - Fiber: 3g This makes it a satisfying dish. For the full recipe, follow the steps to create this fresh and savory salad. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use about 4 quarts of water for 8 oz. of rotini pasta. Once the water boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a rich flavor to the salad and keeps it moist. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mix. Before serving, give it another toss and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your fresh and tasty BLT pasta salad! To cook pasta well, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the rotini. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it firm. For the dressing, use a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This gives it a creamy texture. Add Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavor. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out. The right consistency should coat the pasta without being too runny. When serving your BLT pasta salad, use a large bowl for a beautiful display. Toss the salad gently before serving. This keeps the ingredients well mixed. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice touch and makes the dish more inviting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can easily add different proteins to your BLT pasta salad. If you love chicken, try grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. Shrimp is another great option. It adds a nice flavor and cooks quickly. For a heartier salad, consider using diced ham or even chickpeas for a fun twist. Each protein will change the taste and make it unique. If you want a vegan version, there are simple swaps. Instead of turkey bacon, use coconut bacon or smoked tempeh. For the dressing, replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo. You can also use silken tofu or cashew cream for a creamy texture. These swaps keep the salad fresh and tasty without dairy. Switching ingredients with the seasons can keep this salad exciting. In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or kale for a warm touch. You can even use different tomatoes, like heirloom, in late summer. Each season brings new flavors to explore in your pasta salad. You can find the Full Recipe to help you create this delightful dish. Store leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure the lid seals well to prevent air from getting in. If you use a glass container, it helps you see what’s inside. You do not need to reheat BLT pasta salad. It tastes best cold. If you want to warm it up, do so gently in a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This way, it stays moist and doesn't overcook. Leftover BLT pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose freshness. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. Enjoy your meal, but make sure to eat it within this time! For the full recipe, see the section above. A BLT Pasta Salad mixes pasta with classic BLT flavors. You get crunchy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce all in one dish. This salad is simple yet tasty, perfect for warm days or gatherings. It’s creamy, savory, and full of texture. I love how easy it is to make. You can whip it up in just 45 minutes. The key is using good ingredients, like fresh cherry tomatoes and crispy turkey bacon. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! I often prepare it a few hours before serving. This way, the flavors blend together nicely. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to eat. If you make it too far in advance, the lettuce may get soggy. To avoid this, add the lettuce right before serving. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. BLT Pasta Salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it as a side with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also goes great with sandwiches or wraps. For a light meal, serve it with a fruit salad. If you want a heartier option, add a side of garlic bread. This salad is versatile, so feel free to mix and match! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. You learned how to make a tasty BLT Pasta Salad. From ingredients to serving tips, each step matters. Adjust the recipe with protein or vegan swaps to fit your needs. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. Remember, this dish is perfect for meal prep and gatherings. Enjoy making this easy, delicious salad that suits every taste!

BLT Pasta Salad

Savor the freshness of summer with this delicious BLT Pasta Salad! Packed with rotini pasta, turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine, this salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whip up the creamy dressing with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a delectable finish. It's quick to prepare and ideal for gatherings or a light meal. Discover how to make this tasty dish by clicking through for the full recipe!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. rotini pasta

4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, crumbled turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.

          Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4