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BLT Pasta Salad With Spinach

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This BLT pasta salad recipe has the bacon and tomatoes you’d expect. Plus it has spinach and more goodies to take it to the next level. It is a fabulous side dish for parties, picnics, and more. But it is so good, you may just want to make a meal of it.

Big glass serving bowl filled with blt pasta salad with corkscrew pasta, baby spinach, chopped tomatoes, bacon, and more in creamy dressing.

This BLT pasta salad is full of the bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors that are part of that classic sandwich combination but it also has some extras to take it to the next level. Serve it at your next BBQ, potluck, or picnic and enjoy the rave reviews!

In our family, summer means BLTs. The sandwiches are so simple, but oh so good.

It used to be harder to make them for dinner, because Little Dude wouldn’t partake. Luckily he is a fan now too, so we have them quite regularly.

Grape tomatoes, baby spinach, avocados, hard boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon ready to be chopped and stirred into creamy blt pasta salad.

In the spring, we use our own homegrown lettuce and buy tomatoes. During the summer we use homegrown tomatoes, but buy the lettuce.

Luckily those flavors aren’t just good as a sandwich. They are also amazing in salads and of course pasta salad too.

I love taking this macaroni salad with us to summer cook-outs. It’s a popular side dish that goes with burgers and most other grilled summer fare.

The Best BLT Macaroni Salad Recipe

BLT macaroni salad is essentially cooked pasta combined with crispy bacon pieces, tomatoes, and other goodies in a simple creamy homemade dressing. This has the best salad dressing which really makes this salad.

This is the perfect make ahead side dish for a large party, family gathering, or even a summer picnic. It’s so easy to throw together and is such a crowd-pleaser.

It can also be enjoyed as a quick dinner or lunch as it’s so filling. I love taking the leftovers to work with me as a really easy lunch.

Close up of a bowl of creamy blt pasta salad with spinach, avocado, and eggs.

Substitutions and Additions

We love the mild flavor and texture of baby spinach in this salad. However, you can use chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens if you prefer.

If you want to stick to straight BLT flavors, you can stop there. Or go whole hog and add the hard boiled eggs and avocado like we do.

Some folks like adding diced red onion or sweet onion to the mix. I am not the hugest fan of raw onion, so it’s not something I usually add, but my husband loves it in there.

You could also add diced or shredded cheddar cheese. We never say no to cheese!

Chopped bell peppers and/or cucumbers would also be tasty. They would both add crunch and a burst of freshness to the mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you cook pasta for macaroni salad?

For pasta salads, you want to cook your pasta to al dente. So either at the lower end of the suggested cook time on the box or even a minute less.

Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse. That will wash off the extra starch and keep it from sticking together.

What pasta should I use for pasta salad?

Farfalle (bow-tie pasta) is always fun in pasta salads. But other short shapes also work. Rotini, elbow macaroni, shells, and other bite-sized shapes are good choices.

dinner plate with brat, corn and blt pasta salad.

More Great Pasta Salad Recipes

BBQ ranch pasta salad has it all, BBQ, ranch, tomatoes, avocados, corn and more! It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks and more!

All of the flavor of beloved deviled eggs with less pressure to make them look perfect. Deviled egg pasta salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs or just because.

Mediterranean orzo salad combines a hint of sweet grapes with bright lemon juice, savory feta cheese and more.  It is the perfect side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!

Big glass serving bowl filled with blt pasta salad with corkscrew pasta, baby spinach, chopped tomatoes, bacon, and more in creamy dressing.

BLT Pasta Salad with Spinach

Carlee
This pasta salad is full of the bacon, lettuce and tomato flavors that are part of that classic sandwich combination but it also has some extras to take it to the next level. Serve it at your next BBQ, potluck or picnic and enjoy the rave reviews!
5 from 14 ratings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 326 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 12 ounces pasta
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ pound bacon cooked crisp and chopped
  • 9 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ pound spinach roughly chopped (or your favorite lettuce)
  • 4 hard boiled eggs chopped
  • 2 avocados cubed

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
    12 ounces pasta
  • In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper and vinegar.
    ½ cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Toss in pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, spinach and hard boiled eggs. Stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
    ½ pound bacon, 9 ounces cherry tomatoes, ½ pound spinach, 4 hard boiled eggs
  • Stir in avocados when ready to serve. The avocados actually hold up pretty well in the leftovers. So if you need to stir them in before you are ready to serve, they should be fine. I just like to wait until the last minute if I can and hold off the oxidation for as long as I can!
    2 avocados
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 519mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
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Recipe Rating




Amy

Monday 18th of May 2020

This salad looks so good. I love pasta salad and the blt is just a plus!

Carlee

Thursday 21st of May 2020

The two combined is great!

Ellen

Sunday 20th of May 2018

This will be a perfect side for summer entertaining whether you're serving hot dogs and hamburgers or BBQ ribs and chicken!

Carlee

Thursday 21st of May 2020

It really would be, thanks!

Anonymous

Wednesday 7th of March 2018

Hi there, just wanted to say, I liked this article. It was funny. Keep on posting!

Carlee

Thursday 21st of May 2020

Thank you!

Amy

Thursday 3rd of August 2017

You do live dangerously, don't you!?! I love your BLT in salad form. Thank you for sharing.

Carlee

Friday 4th of August 2017

I'm always finding myself on the edge! ;-)

mommar6

Thursday 4th of August 2016

Congratulations on your virtual blue ribbon from the Country Fair Blog Party! That's a fun one.

Carlee

Thursday 4th of August 2016

Yes it is, thanks!