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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender rotini pasta come together in this hearty bowl that captures everything you love about a classic diner sandwich. A tangy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing coats the ingredients, bringing a rich creaminess that balances the fresh greens. It's a satisfying side that holds up beautifully on a picnic table or alongside grilled burgers. You'll want to keep this recipe handy when the weather warms up.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (6 oz)
- 1 package (12 oz) bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 3 cups chopped tomatoes (2 to 3 large)
- 4 cups lightly packed torn leaf lettuce
Instructions
- 1Whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl until smooth. Doing this first lets the flavors meld while you prep the rest.
- 2Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain it well.
- 3Place the bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bacon is crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, setting aside a quarter cup for the final garnish.
- 4Combine the chopped tomatoes, creamy dressing, and the remaining cooked bacon in a large mixing bowl. Fold in the cooled rotini pasta until everything is well coated.
- 5Arrange the torn leaf lettuce in a large serving bowl, spoon the pasta mixture over the top, and finish by sprinkling the reserved crispy bacon over the salad.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prep the dressing and cook the bacon up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce will soften over time, so you might want to add fresh greens when serving.
- Swap: If you don't have rotini, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or macaroni works just as well.