Looking for the best pasta salad recipes for upcoming summer BBQ's? This BLT Pasta Salad is sure to become a fast favorite! It's loaded with bacon, sweet grape tomatoes and fresh spinach, and it all comes together perfectly with a light zesty dressing.
Hi friends, how have you been? This past week was a bit of a blur. We were buried in school work with the kids and work, and the weekend seemed like it would never come! Once it did, I made sure to sit and relax for a few hours, because I know we're in for another busy week ahead. I made simple recipes over the weekend, and spent the rest of my time relaxing with the kids and watching a few old favorites on Netflix. It was just what my soul needed to re-energize, so that I can do it all over again this week.
I put together a very simple lunch over the weekend that included this BLT Pasta Salad, and my crew absolutely loved it! Whether you're serving it on it's own as a light lunch or you're bringing along to a summer cookout - it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Wishing everyone a great week!
Grab my simple BLT Pasta Salad Recipe, below.
BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
Yields 6-8 servings
Prep / cook time: 30 minutes
What you'll need:
- 8 oz of pasta (pictured - we used gluten-free Reginette Nepoletane) cooked according to package instructions, drained well, and cooled (note: to prevent pasta from sticking as it cools, add a few drops of olive oil and combine well after pasta has been cooked/drained.)
- 8 oz. fresh spinach washed, drained / dried.
- 2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes washed/dried and halved.
- 6-8 pieces bacon - cooked according to package instructions, drained of fat, and chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
- 1 4oz package ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- Optional: fresh cracked black pepper.
How to:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, bacon, grape tomatoes, and spinach. Toss until ingredients are evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, ranch dressing mix and mayonnaise. Whisk until combined well.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss well until ingredients are evenly coated. Optional: finish with fresh cracked black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to serving.
Serve as a light lunch, or as a side.
