BLT Pasta Salad Bowl Recipe

It’s 5 PM. You’re hungry. The family is hangry. The last thing you want is a complicated recipe with a sink full of dishes.

You need a hero. You need a meal that’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor everyone loves. If you’re looking for another quick, flavor-packed dinner, our Steak Fajita Bowl is a fantastic option.

Friends, meet your new weeknight (and picnic!) savior: the BLT Pasta Salad Bowl. It’s everything you love about the classic sandwich, but in a big, satisfying bowl you can eat with a fork.

No fuss. No fancy skills required. Just maximum reward for your minimal effort.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta & bacon)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side

Ultimate Guide to BLT Pasta Salad Bowl

Why is this the only guide you need? Because I’m a busy cook, just like you. I don’t have time for fluff.

This guide gives you the fastest path to a killer meal. We’re talking creamy, tangy dressing. Crispy, salty bacon. Fresh, crunchy veggies.

All tossed with pasta to make it a real dinner. It’s a complete meal in one bowl. You can make it ahead for picnics. Or whip it up in under 30 minutes for dinner tonight.

It’s the versatility champion. Let’s dig in.

The Simple Ingredients

This is where the magic starts. Check your pantry. You probably have half of this already.

• 12 oz short pasta (like rotini, farfalle, or shells)
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp milk (any kind)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)

Ready? Set. Go. Follow these steps and dinner is practically done.

1. 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 cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps it perfect.
2. Crisp the bacon. While the pasta cooks, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s super crispy. This is key for texture! Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep that bacon grease for another recipe if you want.
3. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, ranch packet, milk, and lemon juice. Easy. Taste it. Add a pinch of pepper if you like.
4. Chop your veggies. Halve the tomatoes. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces. Give them a good rinse and spin dry.
5. Assemble the bowl. In a HUGE mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon (save a little for topping!), tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour that creamy ranch dressing over everything.
6. Toss and serve. Gently toss it all together until every piece is coated. Dish it out into bowls and top with the reserved bacon. Eat immediately for the best mix of crisp and creamy textures.

What to Serve With This Dish

This salad is a meal by itself. But if you want to round things out, keep it simple.

Grilled chicken strips on the side make it extra hearty. A piece of crusty garlic bread is never wrong. For another creamy, satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly, try our creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta.

For a picnic? Pair it with some fresh fruit like watermelon or grapes. And some simple iced tea or lemonade.

Done. A full, fantastic meal with almost zero extra work.

Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)

Make it work for you! Got a different ingredient? Use it.

Swap the dressing: Use a cup of your favorite bottled ranch or creamy Italian dressing instead of making your own. No stress.

Swap the greens: Spinach or chopped kale are great sturdy swaps for romaine. Arugula adds a nice peppery kick.

Add more protein: Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or chopped hard-boiled eggs to power it up even more.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This salad is best eaten right away. The lettuce stays super crisp.

If you must store it, keep the undressed components separate. Store the pasta, bacon, and tomatoes in one container. Keep the chopped lettuce and dressing in their own containers.

Combine everything just before you eat again. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days this way.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: ~580
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

*This is an estimate per main-dish serving. Values will change with ingredient swaps.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Prep all the parts separately. Combine them right before serving to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Use short shapes with nooks! Rotini, farfalle (bows), or small shells are perfect. They grab the dressing and bacon bits in every bite.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the bacon. Add smoked almonds or sun-dried tomatoes for that salty, savory flavor you’re missing.

See? I told you it was simple. You just turned a classic sandwich into a dinner superstar in under 30 minutes. If you love the combination of pasta and greens, you’ll also adore our hearty Spinach Mushroom Pasta.

You saved the night. You got flavor without the fuss. That’s a major win in my book.

Now go try this and win back your weeknight! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!