Hey there! So, let me tell you about this BLT Pasta Salad I whipped up last weekend. Honestly, it started as one of those ‘use-what-we-have’ dishes, but it turned out to be such a hit that now it’s a staple at our family BBQs. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon, lettuce, and tomato? But in a pasta salad? Genius, right?
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I’m craving something fresh but filling (and when the kids have eaten all the sandwich bread – again). My family goes crazy for this because it’s got all the bacon-y goodness they love, with a bit of veggie healthiness thrown in. Plus, you can sneak in a taste whenever, you know, just to make sure it’s good!
What You’ll Need
- 250g pasta (I go for fusilli, but any twisty ones work)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or whatever tomatoes you’ve got)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (bacon bits in a pinch)
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped (romaine or iceberg, your call)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I sometimes swap it for Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a handful of shredded cheese
How to Make It
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. (I always toss in a bit of salt and a dash of olive oil.) When it’s done, drain it and let it cool.
- While the pasta’s cooling, fry up your bacon until it’s crispy—nothin’ like the smell of bacon, right?
- In a large bowl, mix the mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This is where I sneak a taste—just between us.
- Toss the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon into the bowl. Stir until it all looks well-coated. Don’t worry if it looks a bit sloppy; that’s part of the charm!
- If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle some on top before serving.
Some Notes
I’ve learned that you can prep the pasta and bacon ahead of time, but don’t add the lettuce until right before serving—it goes all wilty otherwise.
Playing Around with Variations
One time, I tried adding avocado. It was okay, but it went brown too fast—kind of a flop! I also swapped the lettuce for spinach once; that was actually pretty good.
Don’t Stress Over Equipment
If you don’t have a pasta drainer, just use a lid of a pot. That’s what I do, though sometimes things get a bit soggy. Oops!
Keeping It Fresh
This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Best Ways to Serve This
I like to serve it with some crusty bread or alongside grilled chicken. My aunt insists it’s great on its own with a chilled glass of white wine.
Pro Tips I Wish I’d Known
I once tried rushing the bacon frying, and it ended up soggy—big mistake. Let it cook until it’s really crispy, you won’t regret it!
FAQs From My Kitchen
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Go wild with whatever you have on hand; it’s really flexible.
What if I don’t like mayo? No worries, swap in some Greek yogurt or even a vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
Do I have to use bacon? Well, it wouldn’t be a BLT without it, but turkey bacon or even vegan bacon works if you’re going for a different vibe!