If you’re looking for a dish that combines the crisp freshness of a classic BLT with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing and the satisfying heartiness of pasta, then you have to try this Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures — from crunchy bacon to juicy tomatoes and perfectly cooked rotini — all hugged by a luscious ranch-mayo dressing. This salad is an absolute winner for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role. Every item adds its own layer of flavor, color, or texture to create a dish that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Bacon (1 lb.): Adds crunchy, smoky notes that elevate the salad.
- Rotini Pasta (16 ounces): The spiral shape traps the dressing and bits of veggies, making each bite flavorful.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Creates a creamy base that mellows the ranch dressing.
- Marie’s Creamy Ranch Dressing (1 cup): Brings that signature tangy, herby flavor that defines this salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Adds sweet juiciness and a pop of bright red color.
- Red Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Provides a sharp bite to balance the creaminess.
- Orange Pepper (1, diced): Optional but recommended for a delightful crunch and gorgeous splash of color.
- Romaine Lettuce (2 cups, chopped): Brings refreshing crispness and a lovely green contrast.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Bacon
Start by baking the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. This method ensures evenly cooked slices without the mess of frying. Once baked, let the bacon drain on paper towels and cool completely before crumbling into bite-sized pieces — this crunch is going to shine in the final salad.
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes for al dente. After draining, let the pasta cool entirely — warm pasta can wilt the lettuce or make your dressing watery. Spread it out if you want to speed up the cooling process.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and Marie’s Creamy Ranch Dressing until smoothly combined. This creamy blend adds richness and the classic ranch flavor that this salad is known for.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Veggies
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl and add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and the colorful orange pepper if you’re using it. Pour the ranch-mayo dressing over the mix. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Bacon and Lettuce
Just before serving, fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped Romaine lettuce. Mix until everything is evenly coated with dressing. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This final step keeps the lettuce crisp and the bacon wonderfully crunchy.
How to Serve Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or a few extra crumbles of bacon on top before serving — it adds a fresh herbaceous note and enhances that crispy bacon appeal. A little cracked black pepper on top also wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh bread rolls, or even as a side at a barbecue. The creamy ranch and smoky bacon flavors complement many main dishes, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe in a large clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant layers of color for a festive table setting. Or portion it into individual mason jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch or picnic treat. Adding a sprig of fresh parsley or some lemon wedges on the side also brightens up the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the lettuce might soften a bit over time, so if you want extra crispness, consider adding the Romaine just before serving leftovers.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and lettuce, freezing this salad is not recommended — the texture of the salad would be compromised once thawed. Stick to refrigeration for the best quality and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you do want to take the chill off, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for the flavors to really sing.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?
You absolutely can omit bacon to make it vegetarian-friendly, but consider adding smoked paprika or a bacon-flavored seasoning to keep that smoky depth in the flavor profile.
What can I use instead of rotini pasta?
Feel free to swap rotini for other bite-sized pasta shapes like penne, bowtie, or shells — just make sure they hold the dressing well.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the pasta, dressing, and veggies ahead of time, refrigerate, then add the bacon and lettuce shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I use a store-bought ranch dressing other than Marie’s?
Yes! Any creamy ranch dressing you love will work well here. Marie’s is just a personal favorite for its balance of herbs and creaminess.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks and picnics?
Definitely! Its flavors hold up well and it’s easy to transport. Just keep it chilled until serving for peak freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe a spot on your table. It’s comforting yet fresh, simple to whip up but exciting enough to impress friends and family alike. Whether it’s a sunny day outdoor party or a cozy dinner at home, this salad brings that perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and tangy in every bite. Dive in and enjoy!
Print
Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Easy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad combining crispy bacon, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light meal, this salad is chilled and tossed to blend all the delicious flavors together.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb. bacon
Pasta
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Marie’s Creamy Ranch Dressing
Vegetables
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 orange pepper (cored, seeded and diced for a pop of color, if desired)
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Bake the bacon in an oven following typical baking instructions (usually 400°F for 15-20 minutes). Once baked, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease and allow to cool. Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to the package directions, typically boiling for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool completely before transferring it to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Marie’s Creamy Ranch Dressing until well combined, creating a creamy base for the salad.
- Combine salad ingredients: Pour the dressing mixture over the cooled pasta in the large bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced orange pepper. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Finish the salad: After chilling, add the crumbled bacon and chopped Romaine lettuce to the bowl. Gently toss everything until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For crispier bacon, bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow fat to drain away.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor melding but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Feel free to substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing and mayonnaise based on your preferred creaminess level.
- Orange pepper adds a pop of color but can be omitted or replaced with a red or yellow bell pepper.
- To make this salad gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta variety.
