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To make a tasty BLT pasta salad, you will need: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped These ingredients blend to create a fresh and creamy dish. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well. Crispy turkey bacon adds crunch and flavor. Halved cherry tomatoes bring juiciness, while romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. You can adjust the mayonnaise to suit your taste. If you want to add extra flavor, consider these options: - Avocado for creaminess - Red onion for a sharp bite - Cucumber for a refreshing crunch - Grated cheese, like cheddar, for richness - Fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, for more depth These ingredients can elevate your salad. Each one brings a unique taste that pairs well with the main flavors. For those with dietary needs, here are some substitutions: - Use gluten-free pasta if you need it. - Swap turkey bacon for tempeh or mushrooms for a plant-based option. - Replace mayonnaise with yogurt or a vegan alternative. These swaps help everyone enjoy this dish. You can keep the flavors while meeting dietary needs. Just remember to taste as you go! First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down fast. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. In a big mixing bowl, add your cooled rotini pasta. Next, toss in 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped into small bits. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Finally, mix in 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce. Stir everything well. You want each bite to have a bit of all the flavors. Grab a small bowl. In it, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth. This dressing will give your salad a tangy kick. Drizzle it over your salad mix. Gently toss until everything is coated. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This wait helps the flavors mix well. Enjoy your BLT Pasta Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make your BLT pasta salad shine, serve it chilled. A cold salad tastes fresh and bright. I love to add extra cherry tomatoes on top for color. Fresh parsley as a garnish gives a nice touch. Pair your salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. This salad also works great as a side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. Store your BLT pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. If you notice the pasta absorbs the dressing, add a bit more mayo or vinegar before serving. To keep the salad crisp, store the lettuce and dressing separately if you plan to make it ahead of time. To save time, cook your pasta the night before. When it cools, store it in the fridge. Chop your veggies while the pasta cooks. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits to cut down on prep time. This way, you can whip up your BLT pasta salad in just a few minutes! For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free version, swap the turkey bacon for crispy chickpeas. You can roast canned chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They add crunch and flavor. Another great choice is using tempeh. You can marinate and sauté it for a savory bite. You can personalize your salad with fun add-ins. Try adding diced avocado for creaminess or crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick. Sliced olives or chopped green onions bring extra flavor too. If you love crunch, add some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for texture. You can change the dressing to match your taste. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Mix it with a splash of lemon juice for zing. If you like a spicy kick, add sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also try a vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions above. A serving of BLT pasta salad has around 350 calories. This counts the pasta, bacon, and dressing. Each ingredient adds different calories. The rotini pasta has about 200 calories per serving. The crispy bacon adds around 100 calories. The mayo contributes about 50 calories. This salad is not just tasty; it also has key nutrients. Here are some of the benefits: - Protein: The turkey bacon gives you protein for energy. - Fiber: Romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes add fiber, which helps digestion. - Vitamins: Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. They support your immune system. - Healthy Fats: Mayonnaise provides fats that are important for brain health. When making BLT pasta salad, balance is key. Here are some tips: - Add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra nutrients. - Use whole grain pasta for more fiber and protein. - If you're watching calories, use less mayonnaise or a lighter version. - Enjoy the salad as a main dish or side to lean proteins, like grilled chicken. For the full recipe, check out the BLT Pasta Salad Extravaganza. You can easily make BLT Pasta Salad a day in advance. Prepare the salad and dressing separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, mix them together. This keeps the pasta and veggies fresh. Chilling also allows the flavors to blend nicely. Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well. Just cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Different shapes add fun texture. Experiment with your favorites to find the best match for your taste. If you want a lighter dressing, substitute yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess without the extra calories. You can also add lemon juice for brightness. Adjust the seasonings to keep the flavor tasty. We explored how to make a tasty BLT Pasta Salad. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and creative twists. This dish is easy to customize for your taste and needs. I shared tips for making it fresh and flavorful. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to fit any diet. Enjoy making this simple, delicious salad, perfect for any meal or gathering.

BLT Pasta Salad

Discover the ultimate BLT Pasta Salad that’s perfect for your next gathering! This delicious recipe combines rotini pasta, crispy turkey bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish everyone will love. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your friends with a vibrant salad that’s as tasty as it is beautiful!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped into small bits

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for bursts of flavor

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

½ cup mayonnaise for creaminess

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to add brightness

1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth

1 teaspoon onion powder for subtle sweetness

Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for a vibrant garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until it's al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the crispy chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients for a perfect bite.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will provide a rich and tangy flavor to the salad.

        Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated, creating a deliciously creamy pasta salad.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed; if you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to incorporate a bit more mayonnaise into the mix.

            Cover the bowl and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting period allows all the flavors to fuse together beautifully.

              When you're ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge, give it another gentle toss to refresh the ingredients, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top as a vibrant garnish, and enjoy this delightful dish!

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, and consider adding a few whole cherry tomatoes and a sprig of parsley on top for an appealing look.