BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. This salad brings together all the flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes with the added heartiness of cheese tortellini. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple family meal. The combination of creamy dressing and fresh ingredients makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad because it’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. It combines the savory taste of bacon with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, all mixed in with cheesy tortellini. This recipe is also very versatile—you can serve it as a side dish or a main course. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bacon.
How to Make BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- ½ pound crisply cooked, chopped bacon
- 2-3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced shallot (about 1 small shallot)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 (1-ounce) packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 1 pound of cheese tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- Once cooled, shake off the excess water and toss the tortellini with a little olive oil. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk, and 1 (1-ounce) packet of Ranch seasoning mix in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine 2-3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, ½ pound chopped bacon, and ½ cup thinly sliced shallot.
- Top the salad with the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
How to Serve BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Serve your BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad chilled. It’s great on its own or as a side dish. You can also garnish it with extra bacon or some grated cheese for an added touch.
How to Store BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Keep in mind that the salad may lose some of its crispiness over time, so try to eat it within a few days for the best taste.
Tips to Make BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes make a big difference.
- If you want a little kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- You can make this salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado. If you like it spicy, consider adding some chopped pepper jack cheese or using a spicy ranch dressing.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can replace tortellini with any pasta you like. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk to reduce calories and fat content while still enjoying great flavor.
Feel free to enjoy this flavorful and fun BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (1-ounce) About 1 ½ tablespoons
Salad Components
- ½ pound crisply cooked, chopped bacon
- 2-3 cups chopped romaine lettuce To taste
- 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced shallot About 1 small shallot
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- Once cooled, shake off the excess water and toss the tortellini with a little olive oil. Set aside.
Make the Dressing
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and Ranch seasoning mix in a small bowl.
Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, and sliced shallot.
- Top the salad with the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
