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To make a tasty Classic BLT Pasta Salad, you will need: - 8 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup Romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) This recipe serves six people. If you need to serve more, simply double the ingredients. You can also swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option. If you prefer, use regular bacon in place of turkey bacon. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Using ripe cherry tomatoes adds sweetness. Crisp Romaine lettuce provides crunch. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. Always choose high-quality ingredients. They will elevate your pasta salad. When you use fresh items, you create a dish that shines. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should still have a slight bite. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Set the pasta aside to cool completely. Next, grab 4 slices of turkey bacon. Cut them into small pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook it until it is crispy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels. This helps to soak up any extra grease. This step ensures you get that nice crunch in your salad. For the dressing, you need a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If you want a hint of smokiness, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients together until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. This creamy dressing ties all the flavors together and makes the salad shine. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy making this fresh and flavorful Classic BLT Pasta Salad! To keep pasta from sticking, drain it well after cooking. Rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process. Toss the pasta in a little olive oil. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. If you're using a gluten-free pasta, follow the same steps. Gluten-free pasta often sticks more, so rinsing is key. Seasoning can make a big difference in your salad. Use salt and pepper to taste. I also like adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Fresh herbs like basil brighten the dish. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest. Always taste as you go. Adjust the flavors until you are happy. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to blend. After mixing all the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This also makes the salad refreshing on a hot day. If you want to chill it longer, that’s fine too. Just remember to stir it before serving. This helps mix the dressing again. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can boost the taste of your BLT pasta salad by adding cheese. Cheese adds creaminess and a rich flavor. Try cubed cheddar or crumbled feta. Both work well with the salad's fresh tastes. You can also mix in mozzarella balls for a fun twist. Cheese makes each bite more satisfying. Don’t be afraid to add or swap out veggies. If you want a different crunch, use bell peppers or cucumbers. Both add a fresh and crisp taste. You can also try adding avocado for creaminess. Spinach can replace Romaine lettuce for a nutrient boost. Get creative with what you like! If you need gluten-free options, there are many pastas available. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta. Both types hold up well in salads. They also add their own unique flavor. Cooking time may vary, so check the package. Enjoy your pasta salad without worrying about gluten! For the full recipe, refer to the Classic BLT Pasta Salad. Store leftover Classic BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Make sure to chill it in the fridge right away. It’s best to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. To keep your ingredients fresh, store the pasta and dressing separately. This helps prevent sogginess. If you have leftover tomatoes or bacon, store them in their own containers. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. You should not reheat the pasta salad. It’s best enjoyed cold. If you prefer a warm dish, reheat only the pasta and mix it with fresh ingredients. However, this alters the classic flavor of the salad. Enjoy it as is for the best experience! You can make Classic BLT Pasta Salad a day early. Prepare the salad, but don't add the dressing yet. Store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, mix in the dressing. This keeps everything fresh. The flavors will blend well overnight. Just remember to toss it gently before serving. Yes, you can use regular bacon. It adds a rich flavor. Cook the bacon until crispy and then chop it. Keep in mind that regular bacon has more fat. You may want to adjust the dressing to balance the taste. Either choice will make a tasty salad. You can add many different ingredients to the salad. Here are some ideas: - Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. - Cucumber: Gives a nice crunch and freshness. - Peppers: Adds color and sweetness. - Cheese: Feta or cheddar can enhance flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Experimenting is part of the fun! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this post, we explored making a Classic BLT Pasta Salad. We covered the key ingredients and their importance. The step-by-step guide helps you cook pasta, prepare bacon, and make creamy dressing. I shared tips to enhance flavor and keep the pasta fresh. You can also try fun variations, like adding cheese or using gluten-free pasta. Lastly, I outlined best practices for storage and answered common questions. Enjoy creating this tasty dish and make it your own!

Classic BLT Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this delicious Classic BLT Pasta Salad! Made with crispy turkey bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh Romaine lettuce, this recipe is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Whip up a creamy dressing in no time and enjoy a chilled dish that everyone will love. Discover how simple it is to create this refreshing salad and impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty favorite to your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta

4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup Romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fusilli or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and let drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped Romaine lettuce, and green onions.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

            Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of green onions if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 6