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square image of BBQ Ranch BLT Pasta Salad in a bowl with rotini pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy BBQ ranch dressing
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BBQ Ranch BLT Pasta Salad (Easy Creamy BBQ Side)

This BBQ Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is bold, creamy, and perfect for BBQs. An easy summer pasta salad everyone will love.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Additional Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 20 minutes
Course: Pizza and Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 14 ounces rotini pasta
  • 2 pounds thick-cut bacon cooked and chopped
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce shredded
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
  • ¼ cup red onion diced

Dressing:

  • 1½ cups sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce or more to taste

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
    14 ounces rotini pasta
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked bacon, pasta, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
    2 pounds thick-cut bacon, 3 cups romaine lettuce, 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup red onion
  • In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and BBQ sauce until smooth.
    1½ cups sour cream, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dry ranch seasoning mix, 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
  • Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle parsley over the top.
    1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Keep lettuce separate if making ahead for the best texture

♨️ REHEATING

  • Not recommended, serve cold

❄️ FREEZING

  • Not recommended, ingredients do not freeze well

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain texture
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking
  • Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp
  • Chill before serving for the best flavor

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Bake bacon in the oven at 400° for 15-20 minutes for easy cleanup
  • Use pre-cooked bacon to save time

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Refresh leftovers with a small amount of extra dressing before serving
  • Serve as a side or add protein to make it a meal

📝 NOTES

  • Bacon weight is measured before cooking
  • Al dente pasta is tender but still slightly firm, helping it hold up in the salad

Nutrition

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1353IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
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