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BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Made with tender rotini, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, and a creamy homemade kefir dressing, it's the perfect make-ahead side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It's also delicious portioned into individual grab-and-go cups for easy lunches throughout the week.
Course Salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cups baby arugula
  • Optional: ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Lifeway Kefir Dressing

  • 1 cup Lifeway Plain Kefir
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow the pasta to cool completely.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Lifeway Plain Kefir, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and fresh dill until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
  • Just before serving, gently fold in the baby arugula. If using, sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve immediately or portion into individual meal prep containers or to-go cups for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Notes

  • For meal prep: Divide the pasta salad into individual containers or clear to-go cups with lids for easy lunches.
  • Add the arugula just before serving, or layer it on top to keep it fresh and crisp.
  • For the best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • If making the salad a day ahead, reserve the arugula until serving.
  • If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing after chilling, stir in a splash of Lifeway Plain Kefir to make it creamy again.
  • Thick-cut bacon provides the best texture and stays crisp longer.
  • Rotini, cavatappi, bowties, or fusilli all work well in this recipe.