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August 18, 2014

20-Minute BLT Easy Pasta Salad

Are you ready for a fresh, fun, SUPER easy pasta salad? Yeeeees, you say? P-E-R-F-E-C-T! Feast your eyes on this simple bow tie pasta salad LOADED with bacon, lettuce, and tomato!!! It’s dressed in a slightly creamy (and totally addicting) Zesty Italian dressing, and I promise you won’t be able to stop at just one bite. 20 Minute BLT Pasta Salad We got back from the beach yesterday, and guess what… I’m beat! After 2 hours of packing up the car, 2 hours in the car, and then – wait for it – 2 hours unpacking the dang car, I felt like I was ready for another vacation!!! Or at least a spa day 😉 Hey… a girl can dream, right?

To ease back into the whole real life situation, I decided to take things easy dinner wise and make this incredibly simple 20-minute BLT pasta salad. Creamy, dreamy, and just begging to be your dinner!

I usually like my pasta salad loaded with a TON of veggies, cheeses, and meats – like this classic Italian pasta salad – but since I wanted something simple and fast, I decided to SHAKE things up and try a new recipe that had been floating around my brain for ages. BLT PASTA SALAD. I mean, how could it not be amazing, right?

I’m a firm believer that anything involving crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce is a winner! This salad —————> Totally lived up to ALL expectations. I love when that happens.

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The creaminess in this salad is very subtle and comes from the combination of zesty italian dressing and ranch… I know! Sounds a little weird, right? But I promise you the combo is off-the-hook incredible! The Italian dressing gives the pasta a tangy, herby vibe, while the ranch adds just a touch of creaminess. It just works!

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20-minute BLT Pasta Salad

This pasta can be ready to go in 20 minutes, but also can be made up to 8 hours before serving! Perfect for those busy days when you need to make dinner in advance 😉 Just be sure to add the lettuce in right before serving if making ahead of time… otherwise it gets a little soggy and sad.

If you have a picnic coming up, or are just looking for a fast, fresh dinner idea, BLT pasta salad has to be on your menu! And with only 7 simple ingredients… I suggest whipping it up TONIGHT!

 

5 votes

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20-Minute BLT Pasta Salad

Author bakerbynature

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bow tie pasta
  • 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup creamy Ranch salad dressing
  • 1 pound thick cut bacon, fried until crispy then cut into strips or crumbled (I think strips looks prettier, but it's a little more work)
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced (heirlooms work great here if you can get your hands on them)
  • 10 leaves of crispy romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped into bite sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until cool.
  3. While the water is coming to a boil, heat a skillet over medium heat; add bacon strips, and cook until crispy, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate.
  4. Place cooled pasta in a large serving bowl; set aside.
  5. In a small bowl combine zesty Italian dressing and ranch, mix well. Add dressing to pasta and toss well to coat pasta.
  6. Add bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion to the pasta bowl, mix well to combine, and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve at once, or chill until needed.

Next try these SUPER easy Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto skewers = easiest appetizer EVER.

You’ll also love this 20-Minute BLT Puffed Pastry Pizza

20-Minute BLT Puffed Pastry Pizza This 20-Minute Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad is a great vegetarian option

20-Minute Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad

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Filed Under: Dinner, Summer Recipes Tagged With: bacon, BLT, Bow-tie Pasta, dinner, Lettuce, Pasta Salad, tomato

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Meg says

    August 18, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    I would definitely not have thought of putting ranch and Italian dressing together, but this pasta salad sounds and looks delicious!

    Reply
    • K electric says

      August 21, 2014 at 6:50 am

      We have been doing that for years…..if you like those too together….buy some creamy Italian

      Reply
    • Paula Corson says

      July 22, 2016 at 7:32 pm

      I make a version of this using peppercorn ranch with the Italian. So yummy! And I also add grilled chicken breast for a complete meal.

      Reply
  2. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    August 19, 2014 at 12:38 am

    I NEEEED this something BAD! BLT is my fav..and in a pasta! Genius! Pinned!

    Reply
  3. Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:23 am

    Love this! I totally can relate. I always get back from vacations and feel like I need a vacation from the vacation.

    Reply
  4. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    August 19, 2014 at 2:28 am

    This is my kind of dinner! So awesome!!

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      August 19, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Lori <3

      Reply
  5. Tieghan Gerard says

    August 19, 2014 at 3:32 am

    Now that just looks delicious. 🙂

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      August 19, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks, Tieghan!

      Reply
  6. Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says

    August 19, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    ALWAYS ready for pasta salad, especially a pasta salad with bacon. Yes.

    Reply
  7. Melanie Hiester says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    That looks amazing & delicious Ashley! Pinned. Love the quick prep time.

    Reply
  8. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

    August 19, 2014 at 8:08 pm

    What a great idea! My little cherry tomato plants are going nuts and this would be perfect for our next salad.

    Reply
  9. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:01 pm

    I love BLTs (my husband is cooking some bacon for us to have them for dinner as I write this), but never thought of putting them into a pasta salad. Sounds really delicious!

    Reply
  10. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:16 pm

    Totally get the needing a vacation after the vacation! But girl, this salad looks divine!!! I am drooling all over my keyboard. Why is it that everything tastes better with bow-tie noodles? Is it because they are so cute? IDK but this salad needs to find its way into my dinners this week!

    Reply
  11. Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    Pasta salad is one of my favorite side dishes (and okay, let’s face it, meals!). This looks so flavorful with the zesty dressing and those fat hunks of crispy bacon. Swoonsville over here!

    Reply
  12. Cassie says

    August 19, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    I feel like I have lived on BLT’s this summer. Love this pasta salad!

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:38 am

    I am now seriously craving this salad! You are totally right – nothing beats bacon, tomatoes and crisp lettuce. I never thought to combine both Kraft Ranch and Italian dressings for a pasta salad… I must try this! Thanks for sharing #client

    Reply
  14. Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Totally my kind of salad!! so much texture and bacon and pasta. freaking love this!

    Reply
  15. Mary says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    What a gorgeous salad! I’m loving all the flavors too.

    Reply
  16. Katie | GoodLife Eats says

    August 20, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    I could totally do a bowl of this for lunch. Awesome!

    Reply
  17. Carla says

    August 20, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    Pasta salad, check. BLT, check. Ranch and Italian dressings, check. Yup, this recipe sounds like a winner in my kitchen 😉

    Reply
  18. Toni | BoulderLocavore says

    August 20, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    This salad sounds delicious and is so well timed! I’m searching for easy, flavorful recipes now that school is back in session and this sounds perfect!

    Reply
  19. Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says

    August 21, 2014 at 1:39 am

    My guys would go crazy for this salad!

    Reply
  20. Joanne says

    August 21, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    You know, if you’re already missing NYC and want to come back…I can totally do a spa day with you! I think I need one also after all of my current moving/not-moving fiascos. 😛

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      August 21, 2014 at 5:09 pm

      YESS! I love this idea, Joanne!

      Reply
  21. Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says

    August 22, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Totally my kinda salad..and I’m loving your new site look!

    Reply
  22. Nikki @Seeded at the Table says

    August 22, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Love a good BLT pasta! I might make this one for my church potluck this week!

    Reply
  23. Diane {Created by Diane} says

    August 22, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    I am all about any BLT, just love this and can’t wait to try the new reinvented dressings!

    Reply
  24. fabiola@notjustbaked says

    August 22, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    This is genius! BLT pasta in 20 minutes, so making this!

    Reply
  25. Marnely Rodriguez-Murray says

    August 23, 2014 at 3:09 am

    Ok, now this is the kind of salad I ADORE!

    Reply
  26. Mary says

    August 24, 2014 at 4:02 am

    Just curious, do you get a reimbursement from Walmart for mentioning that they carry the products you use in the recipe. Those same products can be purchased at just about any store so I am wondering why you specify Walmart?

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      August 24, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      Hi Mary. This was a campaign I did with walmart and Kraft, which is why I mentioned it. There’s a disclaimer at the top of the post.

      Reply
  27. carrian says

    August 25, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    That is such a pretty pasta salad!

    Reply
  28. Kristen says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    What a fantastically fresh and simple salad. Love it!

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      August 27, 2014 at 1:18 am

      Thank you, Kristen!!!

      Reply
  29. Connie says

    August 27, 2014 at 6:31 am

    This salad looks and sounds amazing but, since my taste buds have never gotten along with onions, I am going to substitute avacado for onions when I make it. Can’t wait, ya gotta love anything BLT! Also, if you don’t like the non-uniformity of crumbled bacon, I always cut mine in narrow slices, from the end of the package, before I cook it. If you put the bacon in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing it, it will be more firm and slice easier. You can cut the end of the whole package and your required amount is done in a few slices and they will be nice and uniform!

    Reply
  30. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says

    August 27, 2014 at 11:31 am

    This is my kind of dinner! Perfect salad!

    Reply
  31. Sheila says

    August 29, 2014 at 5:57 am

    This salad was extremely light and delicious, easy to make and absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it as a suggestion for couples to make on date nights!!!

    Reply
  32. betty chunn says

    September 2, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    I love your many foods I use quite a lot of them. Keep on cooking especially the pastas . Thank you…!!!

    Reply
  33. Danica Hebner says

    October 6, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    About how many people will this serve? I am having a cookout with about 25 people and am wondering should I double the recipe or more?

    Reply
  34. Danica Hebner says

    October 7, 2014 at 3:25 am

    Hi. I was wondering about how many people this recipe will feed? I am having a BBQ with about 25 people and I am unsure if I need to double the recipe or more…….thanks

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      October 7, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Danica. I would recommend doubling or even tripling this if you want to feed 25. I fed 4 people with this, but we ate it as a main. I would say triple it if you’re going to serve it as a side 😉 The good news: it triples quite easily! xo

      Reply
      • Judy Taylor says

        August 19, 2016 at 1:14 am

        that is what i needed to know…how many will it feed! thanks for replying!

        Reply
  35. A. Fudge says

    December 3, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    This salad was SOOOO amazing! Sorry I waited so long to try it, but it was delicious! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  36. Sherry says

    May 14, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    My boyfriend and I made this last night… followed the recipe to the letter. Oh my goodness, it’s amazing!! I encourage everyone to try this easy, and quite delicious, recipe. 😉

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      May 15, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Sherry. So happy to read you and your boyfriend enjoyed this pasta salad! Thank you for taking the time to let me know 🙂

      Reply
  37. Joel Sutton says

    May 20, 2015 at 2:21 am

    We made this for supper tonight and it was amazing. My new favorite salad. I’ll be getting more bacon tomorrow so I can take this salad to a church supper on Sunday. I also shared a link to your page with family and friends. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      May 20, 2015 at 2:25 am

      Hi Joel. Thank you so much for this awesome comment! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this salad, and even happier to know you’re making it again to share 🙂 Have a wonderful night!

      Reply
  38. Nancy says

    May 29, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Tried this last night, as the temp was 90, I needed easy and light and no oven. Did my bacon in the micro, cooked the pasta, chopped the tomatoes, red onion and lettuce on large cutting board. Also diced up some leftover grilled chicken. Mixed the dressings. Called all to dinner, and everyone prepared their own salad. It was a big hit. Will definitely make again. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      June 1, 2015 at 2:09 am

      Hi Nancy. SO happy to hear you guys enjoyed this pasta salad! It’s one of my favorite meals – especially in the Summertime 🙂

      Reply
  39. Patti says

    June 1, 2015 at 9:45 am

    We will be having company (men) to go fishig deffinitly will be making this wonderful salad to feed them with rolls and call it good! Thanks SO much

    Reply
  40. Linda De Leon says

    June 29, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    1/2 cup kraft creamy ranch or you talking about the dressing liquid or powder??

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      June 29, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Linda. I used the liquid dressing that comes in the bottle 🙂

      Reply
      • Linda De Leon says

        July 16, 2015 at 9:37 pm

        thank you,,baby shower this weekend so use both bottles of liquid bottles and mix them together.

        Reply
  41. Julie says

    July 3, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Hi, I’m planning on making this for a family cook-out which is two hours away, I was wondering how well it would be if I made it the night before and transport it in the van for two hours? Also to make things faster could you use real bacon bits, if so how much? Thank you, I can’t wait to try this recipe.

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      July 3, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Hi Julie. If you’re traveling with this dish I really don’t recommend making it the night before as the ingredients may not hold up so well. What I do think you could do is cook the noodles the night before, drain them, rinse them in cold water, and toss them with the salad dressing (so they don’t stick). Then you could just chop up the lettuce, tomato, onion, and bacon, place them in separate bowls, and toss everything together in the morning before traveling. <--- That should only take 5 minutes max. I've never made this using real bacon bits, but I see no reason why they wouldn't work 😉 I would start with 1/3 cup and add more if needed.Have a great time at the cook-out!

      Reply
      • Salad says

        April 14, 2017 at 6:23 pm

        Could the lettuce be served in a second bowl? My other ingredients filled my going to be salad serving dish full to overflowing.

        Reply
        • bakerbynature says

          April 14, 2017 at 7:39 pm

          I don’t see why not!

          Reply
  42. Carrie @ Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says

    July 12, 2015 at 11:16 pm

    Wow! This is one delicious pasta salad. I found it on a round-up on Country Living Magazine’s site. I’ve made it a few times this summer already and every time people rave and ask for the link to your recipe!

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      July 13, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Carrie! I’m so glad you found me through Country Living 🙂 Thank you for making my recipe and sharing it with others you know! xo

      Reply
  43. alison says

    July 17, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    Thanks for this recipe! My question was if I could make it the night before. I read your response to someone else asking the same question, so Im going to give it a try just cooking the pasta and add the dressing. Hope it tastes good! looks yummy

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      July 19, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      Hi Alison! I’m glad I could answer your question via a previous comment 🙂 How did it turn out?

      Reply
  44. Linda De Leon says

    July 20, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    this pasta salad was off the chain!! i added some more seasoning like Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese..it was a hit..

    thanks again

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      July 20, 2015 at 10:00 pm

      That’s awesome, Linda! So happy it was a hit 🙂

      Reply
  45. Judy Banko says

    March 12, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    How many servings does it make?

    Thanks…I want to make it for my Rummikub luncheon.

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      March 14, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Hi Judy. This should generously serve 6. Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  46. Pam says

    March 31, 2016 at 8:45 am

    I have made a similar BLT for years Bow tie, real bacon bits, green onion and tomato. Drizzle olive oil on cooked pasta, add a little garlic powder, blend with mayo….I try my best not to eat it all!!

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      April 1, 2016 at 9:37 am

      I know exactly what you mean… I have such a hard time not eating this ALL before dinnertime 😉

      Reply
  47. Avice says

    April 7, 2016 at 12:51 am

    How many people does this recipe serve? Thanks!

    Reply
  48. Sarah says

    June 29, 2016 at 3:38 am

    I’m wondering about what the serving size is when recipe is made as written.
    Looks delicious!!!!!

    Reply
    • bakerbynature says

      July 1, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Hi Sarah. This generously serves 6.

      Reply
  49. Heard Rogers says

    August 3, 2016 at 6:44 pm

    Made it this morning. Perfect!

    Reply
  50. BoB Brown says

    April 14, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    Could the lettuce e served separately? My other ingredients, when mixed, fill my, going to be serving bowl, to overflowing.

    Reply
  51. BoB Brown says

    April 14, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    Could the lettuce e served separately? My other ingredients, when mixed, filled my, going to be serving bowl, to overflowing.

    Grammar correction!

    Reply
  52. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

    June 21, 2017 at 3:22 am

    This looks so unbelievably good! All of my favorite flavors!

    Reply
  53. Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Packing and unpacking is exhausting! You’re definitelt earned yourself a spa day if you ask me! AND this pasta salad sounds amazing! Anything with bacon sign me up!

    Reply
  54. Madi says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:40 am

    What an awesome pasta salad! I love the idea of using BLT flavors in it!

    Reply
  55. Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says

    June 24, 2017 at 1:36 am

    What an awesome summer recipe!

    Reply
  56. Kathy says

    November 2, 2017 at 3:42 pm

    The dressing worked! Great flavor! I made a healthier version that was probably just as good. I used whole wheat rotini, turkey bacon and light ranch dressing.

    Reply
  57. Malisha Mishel says

    October 14, 2018 at 12:14 am

    That’s a great idea! My son loves Pasta Salad too much. I try to cook, but, maybe I can’t like yours! Learned something new to apply for the next time! Thank you so much, Ashley, for sharing such a superb idea! 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. BLT Pasta Salad - 365ish Days of Pinterest says:
    September 2, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    […] pasta salad to take the family BBQ for Labor Day and I found this delicious BLT Pasta Salad over at Baker By Nature. I knew it was exactly what I was looking for! I only made one minor alteration to the original […]

    Reply

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Meet Ashley

meet ashleyHey! I’m Ashley, a creative spirit with a major sweet tooth. Most days you can find me in my happy place: the kitchen. If I’m not there, I’m probably snapping photos of food, planning a party… or dreaming about my next trip to Paris (AKA my favorite place in the entire world). I’m a story teller, recipe developer, and photographer who firmly believes that a homemade life is a happy life. Learn More.

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