Authentic BLT Pasta Salad

How to make Authentic BLT Pasta Salad

Ingredients

3 ½ to 3 ⅔ cup cooked elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta

2 cups baby tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup green onions, chopped

4 to 6 slices bacon, fried, drained and crumbled

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sugar, (optional)

½ cup mayonnaise, fat free

⅓ cup plain, low fat Greek Yogurt

2 tbsp dry Ranch seasoning mix

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Boil the pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the bacon crumbles, green onions and halved cherry tomatoes

Stir to blend well

In a medium bowl place the Greek Yogurt, mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce, Apple Cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, Ranch seasoning mix and dijon mustard

Blend the mayonnaise mix well to combine all ingredients completely

Add the mayo mix to the bowl of pasta

Stir well and sprinkle some parsley over the top

Cover and place into the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 4 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for elbow macaroni, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta.

The choice of pasta won’t significantly affect the overall flavor of the salad.

Is there a substitute for bacon in this recipe for vegetarians?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this pasta salad by using vegetarian bacon or bacon alternatives made from plant-based ingredients, such as tempeh or coconut bacon.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Certainly! This pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. Simply prepare it as instructed, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile, and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste.

Consider adding diced avocado, shredded carrots, or sliced black olives for added texture and flavor.

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of fat-free mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer. The fat-free version is mentioned as a healthier option, but using regular mayonnaise will not significantly affect the overall taste of the salad.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the dressing?

Adding sugar to the dressing is optional and depends on your preference for sweetness. If you enjoy a slightly sweet dressing, you can add the optional sugar, but feel free to omit it if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Can I prepare the bacon in advance for the salad?

Yes, you can cook the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Crumble the bacon just before adding it to the salad to ensure it stays crispy.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if you prefer. Both ingredients provide a creamy texture to the dressing, and the taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I add other herbs or seasonings to the salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavors by adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick.

Feel free to experiment and adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.