Bring the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich to your next summer cookout with this irresistible BLT Pasta Salad. Bow-tie pasta is tossed with all the familiar BLT fixings and a homemade dressing that’s bursting with flavor. The real star? The Bearded Butcher Ranch Blend—a fresh and savory seasoning packed with garden-fresh chives, parsley, garlic, and bell peppers, balanced with creamy buttermilk and a splash of vinegar for that signature tangy ranch taste. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to be a crowd favorite!
| Yield: 2 1/2 lbs | Portion: 1/2 Cup |
| Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes | Total Time: 50 Minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Bacon, cooked and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 14 oz Bow-tie Pasta
- 8 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/3 cup Reserved Bacon Grease
- 1 head of Romaine Lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced
- 1 Tbsp Bearded Butcher Ranch Blend
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped Green onions, Fresh Parsley
Preparing the Ingredients:
Rendering the Bacon-
- To render bacon on the stovetop, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired crispness. For rendering bacon in the oven, spread the strips out on a sheet pan and bake at 350°F until crispy. This method is great for cooking larger batches. If you prefer to use a smoker, arrange the bacon on a skillet or sheet pan and smoke it at 350°F. Flip the bacon every 15 minutes until it's crispy. No matter which method you choose, keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning, as cooking times can vary based on thickness and desired crispness.
- Set aside about 1/3 cup of the rendered bacon grease; you'll use this as a flavorful component in your dressing. Once the bacon has cooled completely, chop it into bite size pieces.
Boiling the Pasta-
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. For this recipe, Bow-Tie Pasta (Farfalle) is highly recommended. Its unique shape is excellent for holding onto sauces and incorporating small ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Once your pasta is cooked to your liking, drizzle a little of the reserved bacon grease over the warm pasta. Then, spread it out onto a sheet tray. This simple step helps prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping together.
Prepare the Produce & Cheese-
- To prepare your produce, finely dice 1/4 of a red onion, slice your cherry tomatoes in half, and thinly shred one full head of romaine lettuce. Shred, or used pre-shredded Cheddar Cheese.
How to Make the Dressing:
This dressing is a true crowd-pleaser, full of irresistible flavors of bacon and tangy ranch. It's so delicious, everyone will be coming back for more!
- In a bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Whisk these together until smooth. While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in a stream of the reserved bacon grease until it's fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth.
- Next, sprinkle in about 1 Tablespoon of The Bearded Butcher Ranch Seasoning. For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, consider chopping in fresh herbs like Italian parsley or chives into the dressing.
Assembling the BLT Pasta Salad:
- Place all of your Ingredients into a bowl, then pour the dressing atop the mixture. Using tongs, or a metal spoon, toss the salad together.
Notes:
- Once everything is prepped, gently mix all the ingredients together in a separate, large bowl. Then, transfer the vibrant salad into a clean, clear glass bowl for serving. This salad truly pops with color and is incredibly appealing to look at, making it perfect for any gathering!
- Remember to set aside a small amount of each ingredient before mixing everything together. These reserved pieces can be used as a colorful and appealing garnish for your finished salad!
- If the salad will not be served for more than two hours after it's made, it's best to wait to add the lettuce. Because the lettuce is thinly shredded and the dressing is quite rich, it can quickly become soggy. Adding it just before serving will ensure your salad remains crisp and fresh.
Elevate your next gathering with this irresistible BLT Pasta Salad, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that reimagines the beloved classic. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this dish combines bow-tie pasta with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all coated in a rich, tangy dressing. The secret ingredient, The Bearded Butcher Ranch Blend, infuses every bite with savory herbs and a creamy, tangy kick, ensuring this vibrant salad will be the talk of your summer cookout.
If you create this delicious salad, be sure to show off your final product by snapping a picture and tagging us on Facebook and Instagram!
