BLT Bowtie Pasta Salad

Take the classic sandwich and turn it into a pasta salad.

Bacon, crisp romaine, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo-based dressing coat tender bowtie pasta.

The key to keeping this salad fresh is timing: don’t mix the romaine and bacon until you’re ready to eat it.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is textured and catches dressing without being boring.
• Tastes like a BLT sandwich but in salad form.
• Most of it can be prepped ahead, with only the final toss needed at service time.
• The creamy dressing coats the pasta without requiring cream or butter.
• Simple ingredients that people actually eat.
• Works as a light main or a hearty side.

Ingredients

1 lb farfalle (bowtie) pasta

8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups shredded romaine lettuce

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Cook farfalle according to package directions in salted boiling water.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled completely.
3. While pasta cools, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
4. Transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain, then crumble when cool.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and garlic powder.
6. Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl.
7. Add cherry tomatoes to the pasta.
8. Pour dressing over pasta and tomatoes.
9. Toss until evenly coated.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 24 hours ahead).
12. Just before serving, add shredded romaine and crumbled bacon to the bowl.
13. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

The pasta and dressing mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you add the romaine and bacon, so you can assemble most of it the day before.

Add the lettuce and bacon at serving time to prevent wilting and sogginess.

If you like your dressing thinner, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil.

Use bacon bits in a pinch, though fresh-cooked bacon is better.

Swap regular mayonnaise for a lighter version, Greek yogurt, or even ranch dressing if you prefer.

Cherry tomatoes work best here because they hold up better than sliced tomatoes, but you can use regular tomatoes if that’s what you have.

Serving Ideas

Serve as the main dish at a casual lunch or light dinner.

Bring to a potluck or picnic in the dressingless form and add the lettuce and bacon on-site.

Pair with garlic bread for a more filling meal.

This salad is also a smart way to use leftover bacon from breakfast.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Assemble the pasta, dressing, and tomatoes up to 24 hours ahead.

Keep the romaine and bacon stored separately in the refrigerator.

Toss everything together only at serving time.

The prepared salad keeps for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container, but texture declines after the first day once romaine is added.

BLT pasta salad takes the sandwich formula and stretches it into a substantial side that stands on its own, with the same satisfying combination of salty bacon, fresh greens, and creamy dressing.