Introducing the delightful BLT Pasta Salad, a refreshing concoction that’s perfect for those scorching summer days when the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe has stood the test of time, residing in many recipe boxes without a clear origin story, yet its popularity remains undeniable.
With a total preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, including 15 minutes of hands-on prep, this dish is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or gatherings where you need to feed a crowd in a hurry. Plus, with its easy-to-follow instructions and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can master this recipe with confidence.
Now, let’s delve into the culinary magic behind this BLT Pasta Salad. Bursting with flavor and freshness, this dish combines the classic elements of a BLT sandwich with the comforting appeal of pasta salad. It’s a match made in foodie heaven!
To begin your culinary adventure, gather your ingredients:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice concentrate
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of chicken flavor instant bouillon
- 1 pound of rotini pasta (though feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes if desired)
- 8 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onion
- 4 cups of shredded lettuce
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this tantalizing dish to life:
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice concentrate, sugar, and chicken flavor instant bouillon. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and tangy dressing that will perfectly coat every bite of pasta.
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Assemble the Salad: In another large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onion. Toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring that each component is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
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Add the Finishing Touches: At this stage, I highly recommend exercising patience and waiting until you’re ready to serve before adding the shredded lettuce. This helps to preserve the crispness and freshness of the lettuce, preventing it from wilting prematurely and ensuring that each mouthful retains its delightful crunch.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once you’re ready to serve, gently fold in the shredded lettuce until it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad. Then, transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates, and watch as your guests’ eyes light up with anticipation.
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Garnish and Presentation: For an extra touch of visual appeal, consider garnishing the salad with additional bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of chopped green onion before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color to the dish, but it also enhances the overall flavor profile, taking it from delicious to downright irresistible.
With its vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and satisfying textures, this BLT Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving it up at a summer barbecue, potluck dinner, or casual weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Now, let’s talk nutrition. Despite its indulgent taste, this salad is surprisingly light and nutritious, making it a guilt-free option for those watching their waistlines. Each serving clocks in at just 72 calories, with 2.1 grams of fat, 0.7 grams of saturated fat, and 2.8 milligrams of cholesterol. It’s also relatively low in sodium, with just 97.9 milligrams per serving, making it a heart-healthy choice for individuals looking to reduce their sodium intake.
In addition to being low in calories and fat, this salad is also a good source of carbohydrates, providing 11 grams per serving. Plus, it packs a punch in the protein department, with 2.4 grams of protein per serving, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied long after the last bite.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of this dish is its stellar rating and glowing reviews from satisfied home cooks. With an aggregated rating of 5 stars and an impressive review count of 320, it’s clear that this BLT Pasta Salad has earned its place as a beloved favorite among foodies far and wide.
So why wait any longer? Dive into the world of culinary bliss with this mouthwatering BLT Pasta Salad, and let your taste buds take flight on a journey of pure delight. Whether you’re enjoying it alfresco on a sunny patio or cozying up indoors with loved ones, one thing’s for sure: this salad is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face with every delectable bite.
