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To make Easy BLT Pasta Salad, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup crispy lettuce, chopped - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional) - ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can change some ingredients based on your taste. For example: - Use penne or fusilli instead of rotini pasta. - Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or diced bell peppers. - You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option. - Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a healthier dressing. - Add spinach or arugula if you want more greens. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. Crispy lettuce adds crunch. Using fresh parsley boosts the taste and looks great too. If you can, buy organic or local produce. This choice often leads to better taste and supports local farmers. Always choose the best ingredients to make your pasta salad shine. For the full recipe, check the complete guide. First, cook the rotini pasta. Follow the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This cooling step helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Once it is cool, set the pasta aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your chopped ingredients. Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped crispy lettuce. If you want more protein, toss in 1 cup of shredded chicken breast. Finally, add ½ cup of crumbled bacon for that classic BLT flavor. Gently mix everything together so each piece is well combined. In a separate bowl, you will make the dressing. Start with ½ cup of mayonnaise. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix them using a whisk until it is smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors come together nicely. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the main list. To get the best texture for your pasta, cook it just right. Boil water in a big pot. Add salt to the water; this gives flavor. Stir in the rotini pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta a minute or two early. You want it al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. When it's done, drain it and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and helps cool it down. To make your Easy BLT Pasta Salad even tastier, think about adding spices and herbs. A pinch of garlic powder can add depth. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or chives for a bright taste. If you like a bit of heat, try a dash of red pepper flakes. Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavors too. Each of these tweaks can take your salad from good to great. When it comes to serving your pasta salad, presentation matters. Use a nice bowl to show off the colors in your salad. You can layer the pasta, bacon, and veggies for a pretty look. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. If you want to impress, serve it in individual cups. This makes it easy for guests to grab a serving. For a fun touch, add a slice of lemon or lime on the side for a splash of color. For the full recipe, check out the Easy BLT Pasta Salad. {{image_2}} You can easily change the Easy BLT Pasta Salad. Adding proteins or veggies makes it fun. Try adding cooked shrimp or diced tofu for a protein boost. You can also toss in bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. These options keep the dish fresh and exciting. While mayonnaise gives a creamy taste, you can switch up the dressing. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter feel. A vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Experiment with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile. Customizing the dressing can change the whole dish. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap out the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. For a vegan option, you can use chickpeas instead of chicken and a vegan mayo. It’s easy to make this pasta salad fit many diets. Always check labels for hidden ingredients to keep it safe for all eaters. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. To keep your Easy BLT Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method keeps the salad from drying out and helps maintain its flavors. Make sure to cool the salad completely before sealing it. If you plan to eat it later, add the lettuce just before serving. This keeps it crisp and tasty. When stored properly in the fridge, your Easy BLT Pasta Salad can last for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any changes in smell or color before eating leftovers. If you notice anything off, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your salad while it's fresh for the best taste and texture. Freezing pasta salad is not ideal as the texture may change when thawed. However, you can freeze individual components, like cooked pasta or bacon. If you want to try freezing the whole salad, consider omitting the lettuce and dressing. You can add fresh lettuce and dressing after thawing. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Yes, you can make Easy BLT Pasta Salad ahead of time. This dish tastes even better after sitting for a while. I suggest preparing it a few hours before serving. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend nicely. If you want to enjoy it later, remember to keep it covered. BLT Pasta Salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish for protein. A light soup or a fresh fruit salad also works great. If you want something crunchy, try serving it with chips or crackers. You can even add some pickles on the side for a tangy touch. To make Easy BLT Pasta Salad gluten-free, swap the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many stores sell gluten-free options made from rice or corn. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Use the same ingredients from the Full Recipe to keep the flavors. You can enjoy this tasty salad without worry! This article covered everything you need to know about Easy BLT Pasta Salad. We discussed ingredients, cooking tips, and storage methods. Fresh ingredients are key for the best taste. You can customize this salad with different proteins and dressings. Remember, it’s simple to make and great for many diets. It's a delicious dish you can enjoy anytime. Keep these tips in mind, and your pasta salad will shine at any meal.

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

Whip up a delicious Easy BLT Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any gathering! This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce all tossed in a creamy dressing. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it's quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your guests?
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup crispy lettuce, chopped

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (optional)

½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, shredded chicken (if using), and crumbled bacon.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the dressing.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients evenly coated.

          Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

            Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Before serving, give it a quick toss, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | Serves 4-6