Description
The BLT pasta salad with turkey bacon is a modern, lighter twist on the classic American bacon, lettuce, and tomato salad. Instead of using traditional pork bacon, this recipe utilizes lean turkey bacon, which provides a smoky, savory crunch while significantly lowering the overall fat content. The base relies on cooked pasta shapes like rotini or bow-tie, which are specifically chosen because their unique twists and crevices hold onto creamy dressing exceptionally well.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 oz (225 g) rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed to thin
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Allow it to cool completely. - Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add a little milk if the dressing is too thick. - Combine:
Add the cooled pasta, turkey bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and parsley to a large bowl. - Add the dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it a gentle toss just before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~350 kcal
Keywords: Turkey bacon BLT pasta salad, healthy BLT pasta salad, ranch BLT pasta bowl