Creamy Pesto BLT Pasta

This Creamy Pesto BLT Pasta Salad comes out at every family picnic and summer potluck. It manages to be both satisfying and crisp, with layers of smoky bacon and juicy tomato, freshened up by a basil-packed pesto dressing. I love how it comes together in under an hour and always disappears first from the table.

Every time I shower this out at a party everyone goes back for seconds and even picky eaters ask for the recipe. I first whipped it up for a backyard birthday and now it is my regular go to all season.

Ingredients

• Gluten free pasta: about twelve ounces I like a short sturdy shape such as fusilli or rotini because it holds onto the creamy pesto dressing
• Mayonnaise: one cup this is the base for the sauce and keeps it luscious choose a brand you trust for good flavor
• Olive oil: one tablespoon loosens up the dressing and adds a little shine use extra virgin for best results
• Kosher salt: half a teaspoon to sharpen up all the flavors flake salt works well too
• Basil pesto: half a cup the main flavor note for the dressing try to use fresh refrigerated pesto or homemade if you can
• Fresh baby spinach: about three cups chopped this bulks up the salad and keeps everything green and bright
• Fresh basil: one cup chopped for even more fragrant basil flavor select leaves without browning or dark spots
• Bacon: about eight strips cooked and chopped crispy for best texture drain on paper towels and pat off excess grease
• Cherry tomatoes: two cups sliced in half use ripe juicy tomatoes for the best pop of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of well salted water and add the pasta Cook according to package directions usually about ten to twelve minutes until just tender Test a minute early for a slightly firmer bite Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking Lay out on a baking sheet if you want it to cool quickly

Make the Creamy Pesto Dressing:

In a big mixing bowl whisk the mayonnaise olive oil basil pesto and kosher salt until everything is thoroughly combined The dressing should look smooth and flecked with green from the pesto Taste and adjust salt if needed

Combine Pasta and Vegetables:

Add the cooled drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing Toss gently until every piece is coated Spoon and fold instead of stirring if you are using a delicate pasta

Add Bacon Tomatoes and Greens:

Add cherry tomatoes chopped bacon chopped basil and chopped spinach to the bowl Fold everything together so the bacon and tomatoes are evenly distributed and no clusters of spinach remain

Chill and Serve:

Once fully mixed you can eat right away or chill the salad for about an hour in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle The pasta salad tastes great at room temperature or cold from the fridge Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing

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My favorite ingredient here is definitely the basil pesto It brings so much herbal punch and pairs beautifully with smoky bacon I will never forget my grandma sneaking extra crispy bacon pieces onto her plate every time we served this dish The laughter was always worth the cleanup

Storage Tips

Store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days It makes a perfect pack ahead lunch I like to keep some extra chopped bacon on the side in a small baggie and mix it in right before serving for prime crispness

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular pasta if gluten is not a concern Whole wheat varieties work nicely too For a lighter option Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo For vegetarians swap out the bacon for crisp chickpeas or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy BLT pasta salad is hearty enough for dinner on its own but shines as a side next to grilled chicken burgers or corn on the cob Sometimes I serve it in lettuce cups to take the BLT theme even further

A Brief Note on BLT Salad’s Roots

This salad is a clever twist on the classic BLT sandwich reinvented as a lively pasta dish The basil pesto adds Italian flair and brings a fresh herbal brightness that balances out the traditional bacon and tomato combo No surprise it disappeared so fast at our last family dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, any pasta shape works well; simply cook to al dente before cooling and mixing with the other ingredients.

→ Is it necessary to chill the pasta before serving?

Chilling intensifies the flavors and creates a refreshing texture, but you can serve it immediately if preferred.

→ How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Add the bacon just before serving to preserve its crispiness, or stir it in right after chilling the salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and chill up to a day ahead, keeping the bacon separate until serving for best texture.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Try sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.