With all the flavor of the sandwich, this BLT Pasta Salad Recipe is the best quick and easy side dish. Simply combine Rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing and gently toss.
½
red onion thinly sliced¼
cup mayonnaise½
tsp. pepperCook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool to room temperature.
Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. (Or, you can cook bacon in the oven and crumble once cooked.)
Mix Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Pour ¾ of the dressing over pasta in a large bowl and toss to combine. Reserve the remaining ¼ of the dressing.
Add in bacon, tomatoes, and red onion. Toss to combine.
Cover and chill pasta salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or up to overnight. Just before serving add remaining dressing and Romaine lettuce. Toss to combine.
Serve pasta salad cold and enjoy!
Do not let this dish sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature or for more than 1 hour at temperatures above 80 degrees.