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Flavorful BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette

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A light and flavorful BLT pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a fresh basil vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather lunches or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, preferably packed in oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, soak ½ cup in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and chop roughly. If packed in oil, chop directly.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with salt and pepper. Add ½ cup sliced fresh basil and stir gently to combine.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and diced red onion. Pour basil vinaigrette over salad and toss gently to coat.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Chill salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse and drain well to prevent sogginess. Crisp bacon slowly over medium heat for best texture. Basil in vinaigrette infuses fresh herb aroma. Chill salad before serving to meld flavors. If salad dries out, stir in extra olive oil or water. Baking bacon in oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes is a good alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, basil vinaigrette, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/flavorful-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-basil-vinaigrette/