Dinner

Tasty BLT Pasta Salad With Creamy Ranch Dressing Recipe

ByLila Prescott January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This tasty BLT pasta salad combines all the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with a creamy ranch dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

A white round plate full of a layered pasta salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light green chopped lettuce leaves, spread evenly. On top of the lettuce, short twisted rotini pasta sits in a creamy white dressing that is drizzled unevenly over the top. Scattered on the pasta and lettuce are bright red cherry tomato halves, small chopped green onions, thin shredded orange cheddar cheese, and crispy golden brown bacon pieces. The textures vary from soft pasta, crunchy lettuce, and crispy bacon, with the creamy dressing blending the layers. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6-8 strips)
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, and lemon juice until well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Before serving, give the salad a good stir, and taste for additional seasoning if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped celery or toasted pine nuts.

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a different twist.
Swap romaine for baby spinach or arugula for a peppery bite.
If buttermilk is unavailable, use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again, and enjoy it chilled. Avoid freezing as the texture may be affected.

How to Serve

This image shows a white plate filled with a pasta salad that has three main layers. At the bottom, there is a bed of green lettuce leaves spread evenly. On top of the lettuce, there is a thick layer of twisted rotini pasta, light beige in color, mixed with halved bright red cherry tomatoes. Scattered over the pasta and vegetables are orange shredded cheddar cheese pieces and crispy bits of browned bacon. The whole dish is drizzled generously with white creamy dressing, which adds a smooth texture and some black pepper specks on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead or the day before to let the flavors meld. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How can I keep the lettuce crisp?

Add the chopped lettuce just before serving to keep it from wilting in the dressing.