The Ultimate Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Homemade Ranch

Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite side dish or light meal! This BLT Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s an obsession. From the very first bite, you’ll be captivated by its rich, vibrant, and utterly delicious flavors. It takes the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination and elevates it to new heights with perfectly cooked pasta, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, and the star of the show: a luscious, homemade ranch dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This isn’t just a pasta salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to impress at any gathering or simply delight your taste buds on a weeknight.

A vibrant bowl of BLT Pasta Salad, generously topped with crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh green onions, and creamy avocado slices, ready to be served.

What makes this BLT Pasta Salad truly exceptional is the creamy, homemade ranch dressing. I’ve spent time perfecting my restaurant-style ranch dressing recipe, and using it as the base for this salad is a game-changer. By mixing the dressing ingredients directly in the bowl with the fresh vegetables, we allow the flavors to meld and infuse, creating an unparalleled depth that a store-bought dressing simply can’t achieve. This method ensures every single component of the salad is coated in that irresistible, zesty, and herby goodness, making this BLT Pasta Salad a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This BLT Pasta Salad is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this BLT Pasta Salad stands out from the rest. It’s more than just a blend of ingredients; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that work in perfect harmony. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The smoky crunch of bacon, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, the refreshing crispness of lettuce, and the creamy richness of avocado are all brought together by our vibrant homemade ranch. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, heading to a potluck, planning a picnic, or just need a delicious side for dinner, this pasta salad is incredibly versatile and always a hit.
Easy to Customize: While the core BLT elements are classic, the “plus” ingredients like corn and avocado add layers of flavor and texture that make it truly unique. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to your personal preferences.
Gets Better with Time: Unlike many salads, this BLT Pasta Salad actually improves as it chills. The flavors deepen and meld, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days or entertaining.
Satisfying & Wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and protein-rich bacon, this salad is substantial enough to be a light meal on its own or a fulfilling side dish.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect BLT Pasta Salad

You might affectionately call this a “BLT Plus” salad, and for good reason! While it features all the beloved elements of a classic BLT, we enhance it with the creamy texture of avocado and the sweet burst of corn, which brighten the salad considerably. The addition of both red and green onions provides a subtle kick and layers of oniony goodness. While this recipe does involve a bit of knife work—slicing and dicing the corn, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce—the overall preparation is straightforward and well worth the effort for the fresh, vibrant results.

A selection of fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a counter, including ears of corn, ripe avocados, various tomatoes, crispy bacon, pasta, onions, and dressing components, all ready for making BLT Pasta Salad.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential components you’ll need, along with tips for selecting the best ones:

Corn: Fresh corn on the cob, ideally grilled or boiled, adds a sweet crunch. If fresh isn’t available, frozen (thawed) can work, but avoid canned for best texture.
Pasta: Choose a medium-sized pasta shape that can hold the dressing well, such as rotini, penne, cavatappi, or fusilli. Cook it al dente for the best texture in a cold salad.
Red Onion: Finely sliced red onion adds a sharp, piquant flavor. The apple cider vinegar will mellow its intensity slightly, giving it a quick-pickled quality.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions offer a milder onion flavor and a fresh green garnish.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is crucial for marinating the onions and tomatoes, adding a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the dressing.
Avocado: Ripe avocados provide a creamy texture and healthy fats. One diced for the salad, one sliced for garnish. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Tomatoes: A mix of various tomatoes, diced or halved (cherry/grape tomatoes work beautifully), adds bursts of juicy sweetness.
Ranch Seasoning: The foundation of our homemade ranch. A good quality blend makes all the difference.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite full-fat mayonnaise for maximum creaminess and flavor.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and contributes to the dressing’s rich, smooth consistency.
Bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon is non-negotiable for a BLT! See notes below for cooking tips or a convenient shortcut.
Iceberg Lettuce: Finely chopped iceberg lettuce provides that signature BLT crunch and freshness.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing all the flavors into balance.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise quantities and detailed preparation instructions.

Step-by-Step Method for Assembly

Creating this flavorful BLT Pasta Salad is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure every bite is bursting with taste. We start by building a robust flavor base in the bottom of your largest mixing bowl, then layer in the other components to create a harmonious blend.

Building the Flavor Base

First, take your finely sliced red and green onions and combine them in the large bowl with the apple cider vinegar. Toss them well to ensure they’re fully coated and let them marinate for a few minutes. This quick pickling process slightly softens the onions and mellows their sharpness, infusing them with a delightful tang. Next, add your diced tomatoes and one of the diced avocados to the bowl. Toss gently again, ensuring the avocado is coated in the vinegar. This helps prevent browning and further enhances the salad’s bright flavors.

First, mixing the red and green onions, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado with apple cider vinegar in a large mixing bowl.

Making the creamy ranch dressing directly in the bowl by adding ranch seasoning, sour cream, and mayonnaise to the vinegar-coated vegetables.

Crafting the Homemade Ranch Dressing

Now it’s time to create the magical ranch dressing. Right in the same bowl with your marinated vegetables, add the ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth, creamy dressing coating the vegetables. This method ensures maximum flavor infusion from the start, making every component of your salad incredibly tasty.

Combining with Pasta and Chilling

Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. After draining the pasta, rinse it thoroughly with cool water. This stops the cooking process and helps chill the pasta, which is essential for a cold pasta salad. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with your dressed vegetables. Toss everything vigorously to ensure the pasta is completely coated with the creamy ranch dressing and flavorful vegetables. At this stage, you have the option to pause and transfer the salad to the fridge. Allowing it to marinate for a few hours, or even better, overnight, will significantly enhance the flavors as they have time to meld and deepen. This salad truly gets better with age!

Adding perfectly cooked and cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl containing the dressed vegetables and ranch base.

Tossing the base pasta salad thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing, onions, tomatoes, and avocado.

Final Assembly Before Serving

Just before you’re ready to serve, mix in the chopped iceberg lettuce, crispy bacon, and sweet corn. These ingredients are added last to maintain their texture and freshness. Give it a final taste test and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper if needed. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, top the salad with additional avocado slices, bacon bits, green onions, and diced tomatoes if you have any extras from your prep work.

Lastly, gently mixing in the crispy bacon, fresh iceberg lettuce, and grilled corn into the prepared pasta salad before serving.

A beautifully presented large bowl of BLT Pasta Salad, garnished with extra avocado, bacon, corn, tomatoes, and green onions, perfectly ready to eat!

As I’ve said before, I absolutely adore this salad! It has quickly become my go-to recipe for any summer party, backyard BBQ, or potluck. Seriously, anywhere you’d consider bringing a pasta salad, bring this one. I guarantee you’ll be leaving with an empty bowl and requests for the recipe!

Looking into a large, appealing bowl of BLT Pasta Salad, richly topped with its signature ingredients and perfectly dressed, ready for enjoyment.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

To ensure your BLT Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind. Plus, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Expert Tips:

Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked, mushy pasta will detract from the salad’s texture. Rinsing with cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and prevents clumping.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Soggy bacon is a no-go in a BLT. Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. You can bake it, pan-fry it, or even use an air fryer.
Chill Time is Crucial: While tempting to eat immediately, this salad truly shines after several hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to marry and the pasta to absorb the delicious dressing.
Add Delicate Ingredients Last: Lettuce, corn, and bacon are best mixed in just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness.
Choosing Ripe Avocados: Select avocados that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. If not ripe, they won’t be creamy; if overripe, they’ll be mushy.
Season to Taste: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The flavors can change after chilling.

Delicious Variations:

Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or even hard-boiled eggs.
Different Cheeses: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or crumbled feta would be a delicious addition.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other crisp vegetables like diced cucumber, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), or even some finely chopped celery for extra crunch.
Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing can amplify the smoky bacon flavor.
Spicy Kick: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can add a pleasant heat.
Herb Swaps: While ranch is classic, you could experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or chives mixed into the dressing.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This BLT Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches for a classic summer spread. It also pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete and satisfying meal. For lunch, enjoy it as a refreshing main dish.

Leftovers of this pasta salad store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, often tasting even better the next day! If you find the dressing has thickened too much after chilling, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or buttermilk to loosen it up again before serving.

More Great Pasta Salads

While this Creamy BLT Pasta Salad definitely tops my list as an all-time favorite, I have a few other fantastic pasta salad options you might enjoy exploring too. If you’re looking for an ultra-flavorful and herbaceous choice, my Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a true delight. For those who love robust, classic flavors, my Italian Pasta Salad or vibrant Pesto Pasta Salad are excellent choices. However, if I had to pick a second favorite, it would undoubtedly be my Caesar Pasta Salad. Top that with some perfectly grilled chicken, and I am a truly happy camper!

Did you make this incredible BLT Pasta Salad? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please let me know by leaving a review or comment below. And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Yield: about 12 cups

BLT Pasta Salad

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

This ultimate creamy BLT Pasta Salad is bursting with smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, and sweet corn, all tossed in a delicious homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings!

Ingredients

2 ears Corn, grilled or boiled
1 pound Pasta, any kind (e.g., rotini, penne, cavatappi) – cooked to package directions
1 medium Red Onion, finely sliced
1 bunch Green Onions, chopped
¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 each Avocado, one diced, one sliced for garnish
½ pound Various Tomatoes (cherry, grape, or Roma), diced or halved
¼ cup Ranch Seasoning
1 ½ cups Mayonnaise
½ cup Sour Cream
6-8 slices Bacon, crisped and chopped
¼ head Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
Kosher Salt, Diamond Crystal (to taste)
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Boil the corn for 5 minutes (if not grilled), then remove and set aside. Cook the pasta in the same pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cool water to stop cooking and chill it down.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the finely sliced red and green onions with the apple cider vinegar. Toss to coat and let them marinate for a few minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Stir in the diced avocado (reserving sliced avocado for garnish) and diced or halved tomatoes. Toss gently, ensuring the avocado is coated in the vinegar to prevent browning.

To create the dressing in the bowl, add the ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and sour cream to the vegetable mixture. Stir vigorously until all dressing ingredients are well combined and evenly coat the vegetables.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. If using, cut the corn off the cob and add it to the bowl along with the crispy chopped bacon and chopped iceberg lettuce. Toss everything together until thoroughly combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste.

For best results and maximum flavor development, cover the bowl and chill the BLT Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving.

Before serving, garnish with additional corn kernels, bacon bits, and the reserved sliced avocado, if desired, for an appealing presentation.

Notes

For perfectly crisp bacon, you can bake fresh strips in the oven at 425˚F (220˚C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness is achieved. Alternatively, as a simple shortcut, I sometimes use real bacon bits (like those found at Costco). To refresh them, warm them in a sauté pan on the stovetop until they become crisp again, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate before using as directed in the recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Loaded BLT Pasta Salad