Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Bacon and Tomato Pasta Salad! Imagine crispy bacon, juicy blistered cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta drizzled with zesty Italian dressing - a combination so irresistible, it'll have your friends and family begging for seconds. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or just craving a delicious quick meal, this recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta (your choice)
- Bacon
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green onions
- Italian dressing
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, green onions, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Make sure you have a large mixing bowl and a pot for boiling the pasta.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add your choice of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, using the leftover bacon fat, add the cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and blister. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the tomatoes are cooking, chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and slice the green onions. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, and sliced green onions.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper according to your preference. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow-tie work best for holding the dressing and ingredients.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy when chilled.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Use high-quality bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides better flavor and crispiness.
- Let flavors marinate: Refrigerating for at least 15 minutes allows ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumber for more crunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
