Nothing says summer like a good BLT sandwich… although pasta salad is probably right up there too. So one day I was making lunch and thought. Why not put these to great tastes together!
So that is exactly what I did and it has been one of the most popular recipes from my Kidlicious cookbook! So, I am sharing it with you today! we are making BLT pasta salad.
It has all the good stuff — smoky bacon flavor, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing — but tossed with pasta into one big easy bowl that feels perfect for summer. This is the kind of meal you bring to a cookout, keep in the fridge for lunches, or stand at the counter eating straight out of the bowl.
You will need to make a recipe of Soy Curl Bacon… but, you can thank me later 😉
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It has all the classic BLT flavors without the meat.
- It is creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh.
- It works as a main dish or a side dish.
- It is great for summer potlucks and cookouts.
- You can make most of it ahead of time.
Vegetarian BLT Pasta Salad
This vegetarian BLT Pasta Salad has all the good stuff — smoky bacon flavor, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, creamy dressing — but tossed with pasta into one big easy bowl that feels perfect for summer. This is the kind of meal you bring to a cookout, keep in the fridge for lunches, or stand at the counter eating straight out of the bowl.
Ingredients
- SALAD
- 1 package (7 ounces) whole-grain or fiber added pasta
- 1 ½ cups Soy Curl Bacon
- 4 cups hearts of romaine, thinly sliced and cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
- DRESSING
- ¾ cup Vegenaise or other cholesterol free mayonnaise
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cane juice crystals
- 2 teaspoons chicken-style seasoning
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make a recipe of Soy Curl Bacon
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with remaining ingredients, except dressing.
- In a separate small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients.
- Before serving pour dressing over salad and mix well.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
This recipe is best served cold. I do not recommend freezing it because the lettuce and dressing will not hold up well.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the pasta with cold water so it does not wilt the lettuce.
- Seed the tomatoes to keep the salad from getting watery.
- Add the dressing right before serving for the freshest texture.
- If making ahead, keep the lettuce and dressing separate until serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, keep everything separate until you are ready to serve.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, shells, or bowties work well because they hold the dressing nicely.
Can I use regular mayo?
Yes, if that is what you have. Vegenaise keeps it cholesterol-free and plant-based.
Is this good for potlucks?
Yes! This is a great summer potluck recipe. Just toss it together shortly before serving.
Real Life Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe I love because it feels fun and familiar without being hard. It takes something people already know — a BLT — and turns it into an easy meatless pasta salad that works for real life.
Healthy eating does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it just needs to taste good, feel doable, and fit into the meals your family already loves.
