Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

This creamy pasta salad recipe brings together bright tomatoes, crisp lettuce, crunchy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, creamy dressing. It channels all of the flavors of a BLT, but in salad form.

​If you’re looking for the perfect side dish for your summer cookouts or an easy way to have a light lunch ready for the week, you’ve found it. The best part is that it comes together so quickly! 

The next time you’re looking for a simple recipe that is sure to be a hit, try this super simple salad that’s full of BLT-style flavor.

Common Questions About Creamy Pasta Salad

How do you keep pasta salad moist? 

To ensure the salad stays moist be sure to cook your pasta al dente. Undercooked pasta will result in a dry pasta salad.

Is it okay to make pasta salad ahead of time? 

Absolutely! In fact, we recommend making it several hours, a whole day, ahead of serving.

Do I need to rinse the pasta after cooking?

There is no need to rinse the pasta after cooking. While the pasta might look a little sticky if it sits for a bit, it will separate after the creamy sauce is stirred in.

Storage

Make this pasta salad ahead and store it in the fridge until you need it. 

Refrigerator: Store the salad in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container or in the serving bowl with plastic wrap over top.

Freezer: We do not recommend freezing mayonnaise-based salads.

Tips 

There are just a few extra things you can do to make sure that you make the most irresistible pasta salad. 

• Cook the pasta using the package directions to avoid cooking the pasta for too long or too short of a period of time. You’ll want it to be perfectly al dente.
• Be sure to season to taste. This salad should be packed full of flavor. 
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving so that the flavors can all sink in.

Ingredients

All you need to make a next-level pasta salad are these simple ingredients.

Creamy Sauce

• Mayo or Miracle Whip
• Sour cream
• Parsley
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dill weed
• Table salt
• Black pepper

Pasta Salad

• Veggie rotini (cooked)
• Diced tomatoes
• Romaine lettuce (chopped)
• Cheddar cheese cubes
• Bacon (cooked and chopped or REAL bacon bits)

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need 

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

How to Make The Best Creamy Pasta Salad Ever

With just a few quick steps you can make this mouthwatering pasta salad. 

1. Add the mayo, sour cream, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dill weed, salt, and pepper to a large bowl and whisk until completely combined.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the cooked pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and bacon.
3. Using a rubber spatula, fold the mayo mixture into the pasta mixture.
4. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What to Serve With Easy BLT Pasta Salad

There are so many dishes this pasta salad pairs well with. 

• Grilled or smoked meats: Add some more protein with chicken, beef, or pork. Or, use your favorite plant-based alternative.
• Grilled corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect summertime side dish that goes well with almost anything. It’s a great way to balance out the richness of the pasta salad.
• Sandwiches: Serve your favorite sandwich alongside this savory salad. 
• Appetizers: This pasta salad is perfect for a party. Serve it with your other favorite snacks.
• Fried chicken: Nothing says it’s summer picnic time like a basket filled with fried chicken and pasta salad.

Why You Should Make This Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re a fan of the flavors of a BLT, you’re going to love this simple salad. 

• Quick: With ready-to-use ingredients there’s minimal prep. Plus, using so few dishes means cleanup is fast, too. 
• Customizable: Swap ingredients easily to customize this easy salad.
• Versatile: You can whip this up on a Sunday for meal prep for the week or you can serve it at gatherings like cookouts or on game day. It makes for a great side dish, but you can even eat it as a main dish. 

Variations and Add-ins

Creating your own signature salad is so easy when you use this recipe as your starting point. 

• Oil: Trade out the mayo for your favorite oil. Experiment with olive oil or avocado oil. 
• Add-ins: Add fresh vegetables like diced red bell peppers, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite veggies. Or, try folding in black olives or diced pickles. 
• Heat: For some spiciness, try sprinkling in taco seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. 
• Onion: Add diced red onion, green onions, or your favorite variety.
• Acid: For some acidity, add plain white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. You can also incorporate citrus with a little bit of lemon juice.
• Dairy: For a tangy dressing, try substituting Greek yogurt or sour cream for some or all of the mayo.
• Variety of pasta: Instead of rotini, try bow ties, fusilli pasta, elbow macaroni, or ditalini pasta.
• Earthiness: Add some Dijon mustard for rich, earthy flavor.

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If you love this easy pasta salad recipe, you’re going to love these other side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Simple Side Salads

Broccoli Salad with Dried Cherries

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Grilled Corn Salad

BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad

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