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When making a Classic BLT Pasta Salad, you need the right ingredients to make it fresh and tasty. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need: - Pasta: I recommend using 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta. These shapes hold the dressing well and add a fun twist to the salad. - Vegetables: Use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, for sweetness. You also need 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce for crunch. Lastly, add 1/2 cup of finely diced red onion to give it a bit of zing. - Dressing components: For the dressing, mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and flavor. With these fresh ingredients, your Classic BLT Pasta Salad will shine. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, you need to cook the pasta. I use rotini or fusilli for this salad. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. I usually cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, so it has a nice bite. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This cooling method helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. You want a creamy consistency. If it seems too thick, add a little water to loosen it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Now, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta first. Next, add the chopped turkey bacon. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and finely diced red onion. Pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well-coated. For the best taste, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. When you’re ready to serve, give it another gentle toss. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious Classic BLT Pasta Salad! To make your Classic BLT Pasta Salad even better, think about adding herbs. Fresh basil or parsley gives a nice touch. You can also try dill for a tangy twist. If you love heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your salad a spicy kick. Mixing in garlic powder or onion powder can also boost flavor. These small changes make a big difference. Texture is key in any dish. For a crunchy bite, add celery or bell peppers. These veggies add a fresh crunch. If you want creaminess, mix in some avocado or extra mayonnaise. Cream cheese can also work well. Try adding nuts like walnuts for a unique crunch. Each choice brings a new layer to your salad. A great-looking dish makes it more fun to eat. Use a big bowl to show off the colors. Layer the ingredients for a beautiful look. Place the cherry tomatoes on top for a pop of red. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs adds a nice touch. You can use a lemon wedge on the side for a bright touch. These tricks make your salad not just tasty, but pretty too. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the bacon in this salad. Try different types, like pork or beef bacon. If you want a vegetarian option, use tempeh or coconut bacon. Both will add a nice flavor. You can even use smoked paprika for a smoky taste. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types, like rice or corn pasta. For the dressing, use gluten-free mayonnaise. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. In the summer, add fresh corn or zucchini for a sweet crunch. During fall, try roasting butternut squash and mixing it in. You can also add seasonal fruits like strawberries or peaches for a twist. Each season brings new flavors to your Classic BLT Pasta Salad. It keeps the dish exciting and fresh. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your Classic BLT Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from wilting the lettuce and making the pasta soggy. Always make sure the salad is cool before sealing the container. You can also layer parchment paper between the salad and the lid to absorb excess moisture. The salad can last up to three days in the fridge. However, for the best taste and texture, enjoy it within two days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy lettuce, it's best to discard it. Keeping it chilled will help keep those flavors bright. If you want to serve the salad later, avoid reheating it. The pasta and veggies do not heat well and can lose their crunch. Instead, take the salad out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes. You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit more mayonnaise to revive the flavors before serving. This will keep your meal fresh and tasty. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Classic BLT Pasta Salad stays fresh for about three to five days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the ingredients crispy and prevents odors from other foods. Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time! This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge. You can prepare it a day before your gathering. Just be sure to toss it again before serving. This salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or burgers for a hearty meal. It also goes great with fresh fruit or a light soup for a lighter option. Try serving it at your next picnic or barbecue! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. In this post, we covered how to create a tasty Classic BLT Pasta Salad. We explored the best ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking tips. You learned ways to enhance flavor and customize texture. We also discussed how to store your salad so it stays fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy this dish anytime. Use your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Classic BLT Pasta Salad

Dive into flavor with this delicious Classic BLT Pasta Salad that's perfect for any gathering! Made with rotini pasta, crispy turkey bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce, it’s a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. This easy salad takes just 15 minutes of prep and offers a delightful blend of tastes with a creamy dressing. Ready to make this crowd-pleaser? Click through for the full recipe and elevate your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta

4 strips of crispy turkey bacon, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini or fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and finely diced red onion.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated.

          Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your liking.

            Chill: For the best flavors, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld.

              Garnish and Serve: Once chilled, give the salad another gentle toss and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6