If you’ve ever found yourself craving all the incredible flavors of a classic BLT sandwich but in a refreshing, shareable form, you’re going to love this BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe. It brilliantly combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy romaine with tender bowtie pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing that ties each ingredient together beautifully. This salad is perfect for summer get-togethers, easy lunches, or whenever you want a dish that feels both comforting and light. Let me walk you through every detail to make sure your rendition turns out just right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a key role in providing the perfect blend of textures, colors, and tastes that make this salad truly special.
- 3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta: This pasta shape not only looks adorable but also holds the dressing wonderfully, making every bite flavorful.
- 8 slices bacon (cut into small pieces): Crispy bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch that’s essential for authenticity.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) package little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved: These burst with juicy sweetness and add vibrant red pops to the salad.
- 1 head romaine lettuce (chopped): Provides fresh, crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet green flavor balancing the richer ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the dressing with a lovely tanginess.
- 1/4 cup mayo: Adds smooth richness that binds all the salad components together.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brings a subtle brightness to cut through the creaminess and bacon fat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dressing with gentle savory notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Echoes the smoky bacon flavor, enhancing depth without extra effort.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The finishing touch to balance and elevate every flavor.
How to Make BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook it just until al dente—this ensures that it remains pleasantly firm and won’t turn mushy when mixed into the salad. Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta, rinse under cool running water to stop the cooking process, and drain again thoroughly. Place it in a large salad bowl so it’s ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon to Perfection
While the pasta cooks, grab your bacon and cut it into small pieces. Using kitchen shears makes this quick and easy. Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it crisps up beautifully. This step is crucial—each crunchy bacon piece will add texture and that iconic smoky flavor that makes this salad sing.
Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients and Whisk the Dressing
While the bacon cooks, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and halve the tomatoes. Toss these fresh veggies into that salad bowl where your pasta awaits. Next, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. This dressing is rich but tangy, perfectly complementing the savory, fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve Immediately
Once the bacon is crispy and drained on paper towels, sprinkle it over your pasta and veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated. This salad is best served right away so the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors stay bright, but it can also chill nicely if you prefer it cold.
How to Serve BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or green onions on top to provide a mild oniony crunch. A little shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan can also add a cheesy dimension that pairs wonderfully with the smoky bacon.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star on its own, but it also pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish if you want a more substantial meal. For a casual summer meal, try it alongside some buttery corn on the cob or a simple garlic bread—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe in colorful bowls to enhance its vivid ingredients or even in small clear glass jars for individual servings at a picnic or party. Layering the salad in jars can make for an eye-catching presentation and keeps the lettuce crisper until ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and believe me, you might not—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 2 days, but the romaine might lose some crispness over time, so enjoy it fresh when possible.
Freezing
This BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh lettuce and creamy dressing, which can separate upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want to enjoy warm components, try heating just the bacon or serve the salad alongside a warm main dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for its fun shape and ability to hold dressing, you can use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells depending on what you have on hand.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes! You can substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayo to keep the salad creamy without dairy.
How do I make the salad less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, simply reduce the mayo and sour cream quantities and add a splash more lemon juice or even a touch of olive oil to thin the dressing out.
Can this be made vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the dressing for that smoky flavor punch. You could also add crispy fried shallots for texture.
What can I add for extra crunch?
Feel free to toss in some chopped cucumbers, radishes, or even toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to give your salad an extra satisfying crunch.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines comfort and freshness, making it a permanent favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this salad brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of joy to any table.
