BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and inventive.

It takes the beloved trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato—a combination that has charmed diners for over a century—and reimagines it with tender pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. The result is a hearty, flavor-layered salad.

Every bite delivers contrast: smoky bacon against cool lettuce, juicy tomatoes and al dente pasta, all tied together with a dressing that’s both refreshing and rich.

What makes this dish especially fun is how it bridges comfort food with modern, playful cooking. The BLT sandwich itself dates back to early 20th‑century American Diners; pasta salads rose to fame in mid‑century home kitchens. So combining the two is a kind of culinary time travel.

BLT Pasta Salad celebrates both traditions while adding a contemporary twist that feels familiar yet new, casual yet surprisingly elegant, and always deeply satisfying.

This is a versatile side dish for a family dinner, lunch, a picnic. or covered dish affairs.

Ingredients

1/2 Lb. Mini-Farfalle pasta, cooked al dente

Other pasta shapes may be used, but the mini-farfalle have a pleasing appearance and a large surface area to hold the dressing. Rotini is a good second choice.

3/4 Cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. chili sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice (Fresh is best)
1 Tsp. sugar
6 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
2 large, Roma tomatoes, diced

Larger tomatoes such as Beefsteak may be used, but the Roma tomatoes are firmer and hold up better.

1-1/2 cups lettuce, shredded

30 mins

Prep Time:

0 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

Tags:

Make Ahead, Picnic Salad

Servings:

Sides

Course:

Human

Human or Dog:

Published:

August 12, 2026

Instructions

1. Combine the first five ingredients.

2. Add the bacon; toss to coat.

3. Cover and refrigerate.

4. Just before serving, add the tomatoes and lettuce; toss to coat.

This keeps the lettuce from wilting ,and the tomatoes from getting mushy.

If taking the salad on a picnic or a covered dish affair, bring the tomatoes and lettuce in separate containers, and mix just before setting the dish out.

Notes/Variations

Notes:

The listed Prep Time includes cooking the pasta.

Dog Commentary:

Leeloo says: "This dish usually takes diners at covered dish affairs by surprise; and a welcome one. Many have never seen it before. You are sure to get a lot of requests for the recipe."

Bobby believes if some is good, more is more is better. He said that when Leeloo isn’t looking, he adds extra bacon to the dish.