This BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad is peeeerfect for bringing to a summer potluck, serving alongside hamburgers, or as a meal all by itself!
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the flavors of BLT this time of year. Well, any time of the year, to be honest. But especially at the end of summer.
As a kid/teen, my mom would grow corn in her garden. Here in northern MN, the corn isn’t ready to harvest until mid to late August. We had a tradition of having BLTs and corn on the cob when it was finally ripe.
I’m not sure how we settled on that combo, but it was dynamite.
Anyway. BLTs = end-of-summer to me.
This BLT bowtie pasta salad captures the essence of BLTs in a portable, salad version. Bring this to a potluck. Or make it a supper on a scorching summer night.
?Ingredients for BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad:
Here’s everything you’ll need for the main part of the salad: 2 tomatoes, 1 heart of romaine lettuce, bowtie pasta (AKA farfalle), bacon, and cheese.
And here’s what you’ll need for the dressing: Ranch dressing (you can use store bought or homemade), mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper (freshly ground is best).
???How to Make BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad:
Cook up the bacon and chop it up. How finely you chop it is up to you!
?Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water.
Add the pasta and cook to slightly less than your preferred doneness.
Rinse the pasta under cold water.
??Prepping the Veggies/Cheese:
Wash the tomatoes…
…and the romaine lettuce.
Dice the tomatoes.
Slice the romaine lettuce.
Grate the cheese.
?Making the Dressing:
Whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl or measuring cup.
??Putting it All Together:
Place all of the ingredients for the BLT bowtie pasta salad in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing on top.
Toss thoroughly (but gently) to evenly coat all of the ingredients with the dressing.
Serve chilled. Best if eaten the same day. Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s still safe to eat for up to 5 days, but the lettuce might get kind of wilty.
Notes About BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad:
- If you’re a bacon fanatic, feel free to add a whole pound!
- I used regular cut bacon. If you like extra crispy bacon, use thinly sliced.
- Any short pasta will work, not just bowtie. Orecchiette, penne, fusilli, cavatappi, etc.
Here’s a Video Tutorial:
BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad
This pasta salad has all the flavors of a BLT! Great for potlucks or summer dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz bacon
- 12 oz bowtie (AKA farfalle) pasta
- 1 heart romaine lettuce
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (see note)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (see note)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
For the Salad:
-
Cook the bacon until crispy. Cool and chop.
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously. Add the pasta and cook until just slightly firmer than your preferred doneness. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
-
Wash and chop the lettuce and tomatoes. Place all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
For the Dressing:
-
Place all of the salad ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk until smooth.
-
Pour over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly with tongs. Serve immediately.
-
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Recipe Notes
- You can use either store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
- The same holds true for the mayonnaise: use either store-bought or homemade.
Tonya Baker
Wednesday 26th of August 2020
This is my first visit to your blog & I'm sure it won't be my last. This BLT Pasta Salad looks fantastic! I love that it's simple to make & the ingredients are all good (& good for you). I can't wait to try it. I'm looking forward to reading your blog this afternoon as my "me" time break & getting to know you better. Thanks for sharing your recipe!!
Erica Kastner
Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Thank you so much, Tonya! Hope you enjoyed your stay! ?❤
Cathy Dalebroux
Tuesday 18th of August 2020
I am so excited! The first recipe post in your fabulous new kitchen - amazing!!! Everything looks so stunning...also you look very beautiful and happy too! p.s. the recipe looks wonderful
Erica Kastner
Tuesday 18th of August 2020
Thank you, Cathy! You're so sweet. <3
Karen
Monday 17th of August 2020
Yummmmm! I do BLT and corn on the cob too!!!
Erica Kastner
Tuesday 18th of August 2020
Isn't it an awesome combination?!