Quick Easy BLT Pasta Salad
This is a quick and easy make-ahead bacon and tomato pasta salad recipe that's always a hit at potluck get-togethers.
Yield
8 servingsPrep
5 minCook
10 minReady
15 minIngredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | ounces |
pasta shells
medium size |
|
| 1 | pound |
bacon
sliced |
|
| 1 ½ | cups |
salad dressing, creamy ranch
light |
*
|
| 1 | small |
onions
chopped |
|
| 2 | each |
tomatoes
chopped |
|
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 462.4 | ml/g |
pasta shells
medium size |
|
| 453.6 | g |
bacon
sliced |
|
| 355 | ml |
salad dressing, creamy ranch
light |
*
|
| 1 | small |
onions
chopped |
|
| 2 | each |
tomatoes
chopped |
|
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook until almost tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.
Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper toweling. Discard the bacon fat.
In a large serving bowl, mix the dressing, onion, and tomatoes.
Gently mix in the pasta. The pasta will absorb excess dressing once refrigerated.
This salad is best made ahead and refrigerated overnight or for at least several hours.
Add the crumbled bacon over the top just before serving.
You may optionally serve on a bed of lettuce for a bit more BLT alignment.
The bottled dressing works but making your own is even better. I like the Creamy Dill Ranch or Buttermilk Ranch dressing. See the links below.
