BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.

Once cooked, drain but do not rinse.

Transfer the pasta to a large bowl to cool, stirring occasionally to release heat.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake bacon until done.

Remove bacon from the oven, use tongs to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate. Pour the bacon grease from the pan into a glass measuring cup or bowl to save.

Once bacon is cool, transfer it to a cutting board and cut into strips ½ to 1” pieces.

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon grease, and the rest of the dressing ingredients.

Add tomatoes, onion and bacon to cooled pasta and stir to combine.

Stir in dressing until evenly distributed.

Secure the lid and chill completely (at least 3 hours).

When ready to serve, stir in the lettuce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

If desired, add avocado.

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, salt and pepper and serve.

Spice Level: