Print

Tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad

Close-up of a bowl of tangy tomato BLT pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, and crispy bacon bits.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A refreshing, cold pasta salad combining classic BLT flavors with a bright, tangy vinaigrette dressing, perfect for summer meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped (add just before serving)
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Tangy Vinaigrette:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shake well until the dressing emulsifies.
  3. Add the crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the tangy vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to combine. This is a good make ahead pasta salad step.
  6. Just before serving, add the chopped lettuce and toss lightly one final time. Add more dressing if the salad seems dry. Serve cold as a picnic side dish or grilling accompaniment.

Notes

  • To keep the lettuce crisp, do not add it until the very last minute before serving.
  • Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in this fresh tomato pasta dish.
  • This recipe works well as a no mayo pasta salad option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/tangy-tomato-blt-pasta-salad/