The blend of crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing makes this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe a true showstopper at any gathering. It’s like your favorite BLT sandwich, but tossed with pasta for that perfect, hearty twist.

A white bowl filled with a creamy spiral pasta salad showing about four layers: the base layer has light beige spiral pasta with a smooth texture; scattered throughout are bright red halved cherry tomatoes with a shiny surface; small cubes of orange cheddar cheese add pops of color; chunks of green avocado with a soft texture are mixed in; pieces of green leafy lettuce add freshness around the edges; bits of crispy bacon are visible in reddish-brown strips; everything is coated lightly in a creamy dressing giving a slight gloss; a wooden spoon rests on the side inside the bowl; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love how this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe captures everything that's great about a BLT but adds that fresh, colorful pasta salad vibe. It’s casual, comforting, and unexpectedly refreshing, which means it never lasts long on my table!

Familiar flavors: Combines the classic BLT ingredients you know and love with hearty rotini pasta for a satisfying meal.
Easy to make ahead: The creamy ranch dressing can be made in advance, so you're not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive.
Customizable: Whether you want it cheesier, spicier, or packed with extra veggies, this salad welcomes your kitchen creativity.
Perfect for gatherings: It feeds a crowd effortlessly and gives you that homemade charm with minimal fuss.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three layers: the base layer is spiral rotini pasta in a creamy white dressing, mixed with small green lettuce pieces and chopped red onions; the middle layer includes bright orange cheese cubes and crispy bacon bits scattered evenly; the top layer is decorated with halved cherry tomatoes showing their juicy red interiors, and fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a distinct role—from the hearty rotini pasta that holds all the flavors, to the crisp romaine lettuce adding freshness. I always find shopping for these is easy since all are everyday basics you probably have around.

Flat lay of cooked rotini pasta with its spiral shapes, crispy chopped bacon pieces, bright red cherry tomatoes cut in halves, small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy green avocado chunks, finely diced red onion, fresh torn romaine lettuce leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, all beautifully arranged in a colorful and inviting composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rotini Pasta: Its twists hold onto dressing and bits of bacon, making each bite flavorful.
Bacon: Crispy and smoky, it brings that essential BLT character and adds crunch.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and a little bite without overpowering.
Cheddar Cheese: Cubed for texture and that creamy, melty contrast.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, balancing the richness of the dressing and bacon.
Avocado: Creamy and smooth, it softens the edges and makes the salad luscious.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness and color to brighten things up.
Parsley: A subtle herbal note to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix: The star seasoning for a tangy, herby dressing that ties everything together.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Creamy bases for the dressing, giving it richness and body.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the season or who I’m feeding. Sometimes I add a little more avocado for creaminess, or swap romaine for baby spinach when I want a softer green. It’s really about making this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe your own canvas.

Variation: I once added jalapeños for a spicy kick, which my friends loved — so don’t hesitate to turn up the heat if you’re adventurous!
Dietary changes: For a lighter twist, you could use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo, which still keeps it creamy but a bit tangier and less rich.
Seasonal changes: Try swapping cherry tomatoes for sweet roasted peppers in fall to keep it vibrant and tasty year-round.

Step-by-Step: How I Make BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up That Creamy Dressing

First things first, mix your ranch dressing packet with mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and combined. Then cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – this resting time really helps the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 2: Cook and Chill the Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse it under cold water—that's key for stopping the cooking process and cooling it down so it won’t get mushy when tossed with the dressing.

Step 3: Bring on the BLT Goodness

Now add your chopped cooked bacon, diced red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, avocado chunks, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and romaine lettuce into that pasta bowl. Pour the chilled dressing over top.

Use tongs or salad spoons to gently toss everything together — fold rather than stir aggressively to keep the avocado and lettuce looking fresh and vibrant.

Top Tip

Making this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe several times taught me a few things that totally make a difference. These tips keep the salad fresh and vibrant, plus save you from common pitfalls.

Timing is everything: Add the lettuce and dressing just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
Chill the dressing: Letting the dressing rest in the fridge amplifies its tang and balances the creamy flavors.
Gently toss: Treat the salad gently when mixing so your avocado keeps its chunks and the cheese stays intact.
Don’t skip rinsing the pasta: Cold rinsing stops overcooking and helps the dressing cling better.

How to Serve BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a little extra chopped parsley for color and sometimes a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top. If I have some green onions around, those sliced thin add a lovely mild bite.

Side Dishes

This salad is great on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh garlic bread, or even a light soup if you want a fuller meal. I’ve often served it alongside simple BBQ ribs at summer cookouts with rave reviews.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I’ve served this salad in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers. It makes it feel festive and adds a pop of color that guests always comment on!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but amazing when it happens), store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember the lettuce wilts fast, so I recommend eating it within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I don’t suggest freezing this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe because the creamy dressing and fresh veggies don’t thaw well — the texture can become off, especially with lettuce and avocado.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you want to speed things up, just bring it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors shine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To veganize, swap bacon for tempeh bacon or smoked mushrooms, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives, and make sure the ranch dressing mix is dairy-free or use a homemade version.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Ideally, eat this salad within 24 hours because of the fresh lettuce and avocado. It may get soggy or brown if kept longer, so for the freshest taste, enjoy it soon after making.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini works great to hold the dressing, other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or shells are excellent substitutes. Just avoid long pasta to keep the texture consistent.

What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?

Cut the avocado right before tossing the salad and gently fold it in. You can also squeeze a little lemon or lime juice on the avocado pieces before mixing to help slow browning.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad Recipe feels like a warm hug disguised as a salad — comforting, fresh, and totally satisfying. I always tweak it a bit here and there, but it never fails to bring smiles and full plates. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a go-to for your potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Give it a whirl and enjoy every flavorful bite!