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Creamy Dill BLT Pasta Salad

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A crunchy, creamy, and bright pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a tangy dill-infused dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 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 (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon flat in the pan without overlapping. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and mix well.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, and 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in 2 thinly sliced green onions if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This also lets the pasta soak up the dressing and become tender yet still firm.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it looks too thick, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the dressing. Garnish with a few extra dill sprigs for a fresh finish.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon over medium heat and flip only once or twice for crispiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For lighter or dietary adaptations, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo, use gluten-free pasta, or substitute bacon with smoked paprika chickpeas for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy dill dressing, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/creamy-dill-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-bacon/