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BLT Pasta Salad combines fresh, crisp ingredients with a creamy Ranch-based dressing, creating a balanced and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or weekday meals. This easy recipe brings together hearty Farfalle pasta, smoky bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tied together with a hint of BBQ sauce. Whether you’re planning a potluck or looking for a versatile side dish, this pasta salad is a great option for every occasion.

Ingredients

Dressing:
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix
Other Ingredients:
- 12 strips thick-cut bacon (high quality)
- 1 lb. Farfalle pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, washed, chopped, and dried
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/3 cup red onions, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

In a large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, sour cream, and Ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. The dressing will thicken as it stands.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Farfalle pasta to al dente, following package instructions. Drain and spread the pasta on a tray or parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, and let it cool completely.

Cook the Bacon

Cut the bacon strips in half and cook in a large skillet over low heat until crispy on both sides. Place cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Roughly chop the bacon once cooled.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with ½ cup of the prepared Ranch dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Add the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, ¾ of the chopped bacon, BBQ sauce, and another ½ cup of Ranch dressing. Toss gently to combine.
Transfer the salad to a clean serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.

Serve or Store

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 hours before serving. If needed, use the reserved 1 cup of Ranch dressing to refresh the salad before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavors: Combines the iconic BLT sandwich ingredients into a fresh, pasta-based dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick family meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Tips

Cool Pasta Properly: Spread the pasta out and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon over low heat to render fat evenly and achieve perfect crispness.
Layer Dressing: Add dressing in stages to avoid over-saturating the salad.
Fresh Lettuce: Ensure lettuce is dry before adding to keep the salad crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: Swap bacon for turkey bacon, grilled chicken, or a plant-based option.
Pasta Choices: Use penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta for a different texture.
Dressing Options: Substitute Ranch with Caesar, blue cheese, or a creamy Italian dressing.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include cucumbers, avocado, or bell peppers for more variety.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad the day before?
A: Yes, but store the lettuce and dressing separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Q: What type of bacon is best?
A: Thick-cut, high-quality bacon delivers the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: Yes, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or tempeh for protein.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve BLT Pasta Salad as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or seafood. Pair with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. For beverages, iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine are excellent accompaniments.