Print

Creamy Summer BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Basil and Sundried Tomatoes

Creamy Summer BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed, julienned or chopped
  • 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed (soak if dry-packed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Save some bacon fat for extra flavor in the dressing if desired.
  3. Chop about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup of oil-packed sundried tomatoes (if dry-packed, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping). Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and slice 2 green onions thinly if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, stir in a teaspoon of reserved bacon fat for smoky depth.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped bacon, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and keep texture firm. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Dressing can be lightened by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt. Soak dry-packed sundried tomatoes before use. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Bacon fat can be added to dressing for extra smoky flavor. Pat fresh basil dry before chopping to avoid soggy salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, bacon pasta salad, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-summer-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-fresh-basil-and-sundried-tomatoes/