Are you ready to elevate your pasta salad game with a delicious twist? Introducing the Dairy Free BLT Pasta Salad—a mouthwatering fusion of classic flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing! This creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying dish combines the beloved elements of a traditional BLT with the heartiness of pasta, making it the perfect addition to your summer picnics, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delightful recipe in your culinary repertoire. Dive in and discover the secret to a refreshing and guilt-free pasta salad that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup dairy-free mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of your preferred pasta, 4 slices of bacon, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup of dairy-free mayonnaise, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- After the pasta is done cooking, 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, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dairy-free mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a creamier salad, feel free to add more dairy-free mayonnaise to taste.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step can be skipped if you are in a hurry, but chilling enhances the flavor.
- Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and serve in bowls. Enjoy your Dairy Free BLT Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta! While classic choices like rotini or penne work beautifully, gluten-free pasta or whole grain options can add a unique flavor and texture.
- Crisp Up the Bacon: For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon and ensure it’s cooked until crispy. This adds a satisfying crunch to your salad, mimicking the traditional BLT experience.
- Chill for Flavor: Although you can serve the salad immediately, letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add other fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra creaminess and nutrition.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier salad, simply add more dairy-free mayonnaise to the dressing until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also experiment with different vinegars or add herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It makes for a quick and tasty lunch option the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
