Description
A refreshing and savory BLT Pasta Salad combining crispy baked bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy and tangy homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces bacon
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Bake the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet with edges. Put the sheet in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 400˚F. Bake for 18-25 minutes, depending on bacon thickness, until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and cool. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down completely. Drain well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve the salad immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Baking the bacon in the oven ensures an even crispness without the mess of pan-frying.
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and helps the pasta cool quickly for the salad.
- For added flavor, you can refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, creamy pasta salad, romaine lettuce pasta
