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Do you ever crave that perfect BLT, but want something a little more…substantial? Something that feels like a complete meal, not just a quick snack? I’ve been there. And that’s how this BLT Pasta Salad with Chipotle Mayo was born. Picture this: crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy, smoky, slightly spicy chipotle mayo. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! I came up with this recipe after my friend Jenny and I were reminiscing about our favorite summertime sandwich. We then wondered, wouldn't it be so much better in a pasta salad? We were so right.
What makes this salad special? Besides the obvious deliciousness, it’s the chipotle mayo. It adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. The smokiness of the chipotle peppers plays perfectly with the salty bacon and fresh vegetables. Trust me, you won’t want to use regular mayonnaise ever again! Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize this salad to your liking. Swap out the lettuce, add some avocado, or even throw in grilled chicken for extra protein. The possibilities are endless, making it a dish you can enjoy all year round. Just be sure that you don't add too much salt to the dressing or it will over power the main flavor.
Required Equipments
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
BLT Pasta Salad with Chipotle Mayo: Frequently Asked Questions
BLT Pasta Salad with Chipotle Mayo
This BLT Pasta Salad with Chipotle Mayo combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the satisfying heartiness of pasta, all tied together with a smoky and spicy chipotle mayo dressing. It's a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Prepare the chipotle mayo: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped), adobo sauce (from the can), lime juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce. If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice works in a pinch!
- Prep the vegetables: Wash and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Shred or chop the lettuce. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the chipotle mayo dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the lettuce to wilt.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is important for the best flavor and texture. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of smoked paprika, if desired. And there you go! If you feel like you're missing something, top it off with a few croutons for that extra crunch. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for extra protein.
- Make it ahead! The salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 50 mg
