Name: Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1½ cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup diced red onion (optional); ¾ cup ranch dressing; ¼ cup mayonnaise; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re on the hunt for a salad that brings major personality to your summer table, my Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession. This dish combines everything you love about a classic BLT — smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce — and spins it into a creamy, tangy, satisfying pasta salad that’s both irresistible and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving a crowd at your next cookout or looking for the ultimate picnic side, this dish hits all the right notes for taste, texture, and fun.

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ranch BLT Pasta Salad lies in the harmonious mix of simple, real ingredients. Every item plays an important role, from the crunch of the lettuce to the richness of the bacon. Here’s what you’ll need — trust me, nothing fancy, but every bite pops with flavor!

Rotini or bowtie pasta (12 oz): This is your salad’s hearty, twirly base and soaks up all that luscious dressing.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Little bursts of sweetness and color that bring a fresh, summery vibe.
Chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce (1½ cups): The crisp, refreshing bite that gives your salad signature BLT texture.
Bacon (8 slices, cooked and crumbled): Smoky and salty, bacon adds bold flavor and just the right chew.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): This creamy, sharp cheese melts beautifully into the salad for extra richness.
Red onion (½ cup, diced, optional): For a gentle zing and a pop of vibrant color, add if you love a little bite.
Ranch dressing (¾ cup): The star ingredient—this coats everything in tangy, herby creaminess that brings all flavors together.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Mixing this with the ranch gives the dressing extra body and silkiness.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): A finishing touch to wake up every flavor in the bowl.

How to Make Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente bite—just firm enough to hold up to the creamy dressing. Once it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water; this not only stops the cooking process, it also keeps the noodles from getting sticky as they cool. Shake off excess water and let the pasta cool completely (you want it chilled so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce or melt the cheese).

Step 2: Prep the Add-Ins

While the pasta cools, crisp up the bacon (oven, stovetop, or even microwave if you’re short on time). Let it cool a bit, then crumble. Chop your lettuce and halve those gorgeous cherry tomatoes for fresh, juicy pops in each bite. If you’re using red onion, give it a quick dice—totally optional, but it does bring some zip.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Ranch Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until they’re totally smooth and combined. This blend delivers that signature tangy-silky combo, binding all the salad components and ensuring flavor in every single forkful.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Grab your largest salad bowl and add in the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and red onion if you like things zesty. Pour over the ranch-mayo dressing and gently toss everything to coat. Go slow and gentle—especially with the lettuce—so you get an even mix without breaking anything down.

Step 5: Chill and Season

Season your Ranch BLT Pasta Salad generously with salt and cracked black pepper. For best flavor, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before digging in. This brief rest in the fridge lets everything meld together, so you get the ultimate hit of creamy, savory, and fresh with every bite.

How to Serve Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To really make your Ranch BLT Pasta Salad shine, garnish with a sprinkle of extra crumbled bacon, a handful of chopped fresh chives, or a swirl of cracked pepper right before serving. A little grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) elevates the colors and flavors even more, making it look and taste extra special.

Side Dishes

While this salad truly stands on its own, it’s also fabulous next to all your barbecue favorites—think grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches. Fresh fruit skewers, grilled corn on the cob, or even a crisp cucumber salad make excellent partners that keep the meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve your Ranch BLT Pasta Salad in mini mason jars for adorable, portable portions. At home, pile it into a large serving bowl lined with romaine leaves or spoon it onto a platter and scatter extra toppings over the top for a “loaded” look. You can even serve it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of your Ranch BLT Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, but for best texture, toss in a little fresh lettuce before serving each time, as the original greens can lose their crunch after sitting.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad—the creamy dressing and fresh veggies don’t hold up well in the freezer, and you’ll lose that signature crisp-tender contrast that makes this dish so craveable.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This dish is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a bit, let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to take off the chill. If the salad seems a little dry, add a spoonful of ranch or mayo and toss to refresh the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While rotini and bowtie pasta do a great job of soaking up dressing and holding mix-ins, you can substitute penne, shells, or even macaroni noodles if you have them on hand.

Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?

Definitely. Skip the bacon and try adding smoky roasted chickpeas or tempeh bacon for a similar salty, savory flavor that keeps the spirit of the classic Ranch BLT Pasta Salad alive.

How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?

The best trick is to stir in the chopped lettuce just before serving. This keeps it crisp and crunchy, even if you make the rest of the salad in advance and store it overnight.

Can I lighten up the dressing?

For a lighter version, swap in Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise, or use a lighter ranch dressing. The salad will still be creamy and tangy, but with fewer calories and less fat.

What proteins can I add to make this a main course?

Feel free to add grilled chicken, diced turkey, or even cooked shrimp for a heartier main dish. Each of these blends beautifully with the flavors in Ranch BLT Pasta Salad and turns it into a full meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to upgrade your summertime side dish game, this Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s easy enough for laid-back lunches but just special enough to steal the show at your next gathering. Grab a fork, dive in, and make it your new go-to crowd-pleaser!

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining pasta with the flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

Salad:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1½ cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced red onion (optional)

Dressing:

¾ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup mayonnaise
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, cheese, and onion.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together ranch dressing and mayonnaise, then toss with the salad.
Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.