It’s 5 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hangry. You need a hero.
You need something fast, filling, and packed with flavor. No fuss. No hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for another quick and satisfying bowl meal, our Steak Fajita Bowl is a fantastic option.
I hear you. That’s why this BLT Pasta Salad Bowl is my new weeknight weapon. It’s your favorite sandwich, but better. It’s a meal in a bowl. And it’s ready before you can say “takeout menu.”
We’re talking crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. All tossed with pasta and a creamy, dreamy dressing. It’s a picnic classic that works for dinner. Let’s get into it.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Dish Salad, Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side
Ultimate Guide to BLT Pasta Salad Bowl
This is the only guide you need. Why? Because I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to.
This recipe nails three things: maximum flavor, crazy speed, and total ease. The magic is in the method. We use the bacon fat to boost the dressing. We keep the lettuce crisp. We build layers of taste with zero extra work.
You get the smoky saltiness from the bacon. The sweet pop from the tomatoes. The fresh crunch from the romaine. All coated in a tangy, herby dressing. It’s a complete flavor explosion.
And it’s versatile. Eat it warm right away. Or chill it for later. It’s the ultimate summer side or a full meal. Let’s make it.
The Simple Ingredients
This is where the “minimum effort” part shines. You probably have half of this already. Check your pantry first!
BLT Pasta Salad Bowl Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade BLT Pasta Salad Bowl Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 12 oz short pasta (like rotini, farfalle, or shells)
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (see swaps for easy sub!)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (the secret weapon!)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Grab your biggest skillet and a big bowl. We’re doing this in parallel to save time. Multitasking is your friend here.
- Cook the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to the package directions for “al dente.” Drain it and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking. This keeps it perfect.
- Crisp the bacon. While the pasta cooks, heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring now and then, until it’s super crispy. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to move the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep that glorious bacon fat in the pan!
- Make the dressing. Turn off the heat under the skillet. Let the fat cool for just a minute. To the warm skillet, whisk in the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. The warm fat will help melt the seasoning and create a smooth, incredible dressing.
- Assemble the bowl. In your large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, halved tomatoes, and most of the green onions. Pour that amazing dressing over everything. Toss it really well to coat every single piece.
- Add the lettuce last. Right before serving, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Give it one final, gentle toss. This keeps the lettuce crisp and bright, not soggy.
What to Serve With This Dish
This salad is a star on its own. But if you want to stretch it or make a bigger spread, I’ve got ideas.
For a simple dinner, just add some garlic bread or a crusty baguette. So easy. For a summer picnic or BBQ, it’s the perfect side next to grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs.
Want to keep it light? Serve it with a bowl of fresh fruit like watermelon or berries. The sweet and savory combo is fantastic.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Don’t have buttermilk? No problem. Use regular milk with a squeeze of extra lemon juice. Or thin plain Greek yogurt with a splash of water.
Swap the protein. Use leftover grilled chicken instead of bacon for a BLT Chicken Pasta Salad. Or use chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Change up the greens. Arugula adds a nice peppery kick. Spinach works great too. For another creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner, try our creamy Spinach Mushroom Pasta. Just remember to add them right at the end.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This salad is best fresh. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Keep in mind the lettuce will soften. It’s still tasty for 1-2 days. If you know you’ll have leftovers, keep the lettuce separate and add it to each bowl as you eat.
The dressing might thicken up in the fridge. Just stir in a tiny splash of milk or water to loosen it up again before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~580 (as a main serving)
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
(*Nutrition is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but with a trick. Mix everything except the lettuce. Store the dressed pasta mixture and the chopped lettuce separately in the fridge. Combine them just before you serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Use short shapes with nooks! Rotini, farfalle (bows), or small shells are perfect. They grab onto the dressing, bacon, and tomatoes in every bite.
I don’t have ranch seasoning. What can I use?
Mix 1 tsp dried dill, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. It’s a great homemade stand-in.
See? Dinner didn’t have to be a drama. You just made a fantastic, crowd-pleasing meal with barely any effort. If you love the combination of pasta and bright, zesty flavors, you’ll adore our simple Lemon Ricotta Pasta.
You saved the night. You got flavor without the fuss. That’s a win in my book.
Now go enjoy that bowl. You’ve earned it. And I want to hear all about your victory! Did you add a swap? Did the family love it? Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!
