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BLT Layered Pasta Salad

This gorgeous BLT Layered Pasta Salad features layers of penne pasta, lettuce, bacon, green onions and juicy tomatoes all drizzled with a homemade dressing. This dish combines BLT’s and pasta salad taking those same flavors to a whole new level.

BLT Layered Pasta Salad

Easy BLT Layered Pasta Salad Recipe

Those who have browsed the MSSK recipe file can clearly tell I adore trifles of all kinds, both sweet and savory. Whether it my Seven Layer Salad or kicked-up Southwestern Cheese Tortellini Salad they’re a spectacular edible centerpiece. That’s how I would describe this stunning BLT layered pasta salad. When I share a salad like this one, it quickly becomes a fan favorite.  It takes all of the familiar flavors we love and presents them in a different way. How to make layered BLT Pasta Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Dressing – Several hours or up to one day in advance whisk together Mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, lemon pepper and black pepper. Cover and chill.
  • Pasta – Cook penne pasta per the package directions.
  • Assemble – Coat cooked pasta with 1/2 of the previously prepared dressing, set aside to cool slightly while preparing the remaining ingredients.
  • Layer – Begin with 2 cups lettuce, 1/3 penne pasta, 1/3 tomatoes, 1/3 green onion,1/3 bacon and 1/3 of the remaining dressing. Repeat layers reserving 1 cup of lettuce, 2 Tbsp each of green onion and bacon to sprinkle on top.
  • Chill overnight or several hours before serving.
  • Garnish with homemade croutons and halved cherry tomatoes just before serving.
Preparation image with ingredients for layered pasta salad

How to Make the Best BLT Layered Pasta Salad Recipe

When making this BLT penne pasta layer salad, make sure you check out my tips in the Cook’s notes for a shortcut salad dressing idea for those moments that you’re in a hurry.

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade BLT Layered Pasta Salad: Penne pasta, green leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green onions, crumbled bacon and Texas toast croutons.
  • For the BLT Layered Pasta Salad dressing you’ll need: Mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh chives, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, lemon pepper and black pepper. Place all of the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined. Chill until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
  • Kitchen tools you’ll need: A pasta pot to cook the penne pasta plus a colander, a sharp knife and chopping board, mixing bowls, cheese grater, measuring cups and spoons and a large salad or trifle bowl.
  • It’s ideal to assemble and serve this layered salad in a large trifle or glass bowl to show off the colorful ingredients. It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses.
  • Due to the fact the penne is dressed separately from the lettuce, it can be made the night before, if needed.
  • It’s also a great idea to make extra dressing to serve on the side at the time of serving. This will allow those who prefer more dressing to add it to their taste.
  • It’s perfectly fine to fully assemble this recipe one day in advance and allow it to chill in the refrigerator. Top with the croutons just before serving so they’ll maintain their crunch.
  • Store leftover pasta salad for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
BLT Layered Pasta Salad in a trifle bowl

More Southern Style Salad Recipes to Make

Salads are a daily occurrence at our house in some form. Whether it’s a pasta, potato, fruit or mixed green salad they go with most any meal. More salad recipes you may also like to try:

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BLT Layered Pasta Salad

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Chill time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 37 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: blt-layered-salad, blt-pasta-salad, pasta-salad-recipes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 607kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • Dressing:
  • 2 cup real mayonnaise
  • 1 cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 Tbsp fresh chopped chives
  • 2 tsp cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Salad:
  • 1 lb penne pasta cooked to al dente
  • 7 cups chopped green leaf lettuce divided
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes halved reserve some for garnishing
  • 1 cup sliced green onion
  • 1 1/2 lb thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
  • 1 6 oz package Texas size garlic herb croutons

Instructions

  • Dressing: Several hours or up to one day in advance whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, lemon pepper and black pepper in a medium size mixing bowl, cover and chill.
  • Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water per package directions until al dente. Drain well. Toss with 1/2 of the prepared dressing, set aside to cool slightly while preparing the remaining ingredients.
  • Assemble: Begin with 2 cups lettuce, 1/3 dressed penne pasta, 1/3 tomatoes, 1/3 green onion,1/3 bacon and 1/3 of the remaining dressing.
  • Repeat this process until all ingredients have been used. (Reserve 1 cup of lettuce, 2 Tbsp each of green onion and bacon to sprinkle on top)
  • Cover and chill overnight or for several hours until serving.
  • Top with homemade croutons and halved cherry tomatoes just before serving.

Notes

  • You can make extra dressing to serve on the side, to allow your guests to drizzle more on top to their taste, when serving.
  • You can dress this salad with the same amount of bottled buttermilk ranch dressing, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 607kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 1063mg | Potassium: 599mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 925IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

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