BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

This BLT pasta salad with avocado & mozzarella is too easy not to make at home! Pasta, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, chopped bacon, herbs, mozzarella, and avocado tossed in ranch. Perfect for ripe summer produce, this salad makes a great side or main dish. For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or steak, hard boiled eggs, chopped nuts, or croutons.

Highlights of this pasta salad recipe:

• Full of fresh flavors
• Perfect use for ripe summer produce
• A delicious version of your favorite BLT sandwich
• Customizable, add any topping desired (ideas below!)
• This salad can be a main or side dish, add grilled chicken, steak or shrimp
• Perfect for potlucks or backyard BBQs

Grocery List & Substitutions for the easy blt pasta salad:

• Chopped head of lettuce, such as butter lettuce, bib lettuce, romaine, or iceberg
• Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• Bacon, I used applewood-smoked bacon
• Avocado
• Pasta of choice
• Mozzarella pearls
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Ranch dressing
• Fresh basil

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A mix of chopped tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, and crispy bacon!

Tools I used for this easy BLT pasta salad recipe:

• Serving Platter – a great neutral option for serving salads or pastas
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls – perfect for mixing the salad
• Pint Mason Jars – perfect for shaking up salad dressings, any extra dressing can easily be stored

Variations & Serving Ideas:

• Add other toppings like croutons or cubed bread, chopped nuts, red onion, hard boiled eggs, or balsamic drizzle
• Serve with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier salad
• Portion into mason jars for easy weekday meal prep
• Serve buffet style with different protein options and dressings
• Add cheese like smoked cheddar cheese, herbed goat cheese, bleu cheese crumbles, shredded pepper jack cheese, or gouda
• Give the dressing a kick by adding some hot sauce!
• Serve topped with more fresh herbs like dill or fresh thyme

Can I make my BLT salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the lettuce and tomatoes. Chop and cool the cooked bacon. If adding other toppings, prep them if they will stay fresh – toppings like avocados will need to be added right before serving. Prep the dressing in a mason jar or airtight container and store in the fridge until ready to dress salad. You can toss the pasta and store covered in the fridge until ready for service, dress and enjoy!

What dressing is used on this BLT salad?

This BLT pasta salad is tossed in ranch dressing. It is delicious and simple. Homemade ranch dressing would be good or any mayo based dressing. Balsamic and honey mustard would also be good. Any store-bought dressing can be substituted for a short cut!

What is the best lettuce for a BLT salad?

I love using a mixture of butter or bib lettuce and crunchy romaine, sliced super thin! You could also go classic and use iceberg lettuce. Heartier greens like kale, arugula, or baby spinach will also work well. My tip would be to slice the lettuce thin so it coats evenly in dressing and is easier to eat!

Use and shape or size of pasta for this recipe, or even use a mix of noodles if you’re trying to clear out the pantry! Toss cooled pasta in store-bought or homemade ranch dressing!

Instructions for the BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella:

• In a small mixing bowl combine mozzarella pearls, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. Stir to combine.
• In a large mixing bowl combine cooked pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, bacon, ranch, and basil. Store to combine.
• Serve with more fresh basil. Enjoy immediately.