Prepare to delight your taste buds with a modern twist on a beloved classic – our BLT Pasta Salad. Inspired by the iconic flavors of the BLT sandwich, this salad combines tender rotini pasta with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and creamy ranch dressing. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a refreshing twist. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients While the pasta is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the baby spinach.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients To the cooked rotini pasta, add the crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped baby spinach. These ingredients will add texture and flavor to the salad, reminiscent of the classic BLT sandwich.
Step 4: Dress the Salad Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and ingredients. The creamy ranch dressing, with its tangy and herbaceous flavor, will infuse the salad with a burst of freshness.
Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the BLT Pasta Salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and allows the dressing to coat the ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy Before serving, garnish the BLT Pasta Salad with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the salad chilled as a flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
With its combination of comforting flavors and refreshing ingredients, the BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a casual dinner at home, this salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delicious salad, and savor the flavors of the iconic BLT sandwich in every bite. Bon appétit!

Leave a comment