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To make a tasty BLT pasta salad, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. They add vibrant flavors and colors. For example, fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes bring crunch and sweetness. Dried ingredients can work in a pinch, but they lack the same zest. Use fresh herbs whenever you can. They elevate the dish and make it shine. When shopping, look for bright, firm tomatoes. They should be fully ripe for the best flavor. Choose fresh spinach that is bright green and crisp. Inspect the turkey bacon for quality. It should look fresh and have no signs of spoilage. For mayonnaise, pick one with natural ingredients. This choice makes the dressing richer and creamier. Always trust your senses; fresh ingredients will smell and look better. To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of fusilli pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta when done. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps keep the pasta from sticking together. While the pasta cooks, chop your veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Next, chop 1 cup of fresh spinach. For the bacon, use 1 cup of cooked turkey bacon. Cut it into small pieces. Lastly, finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion. Set all these ingredients aside for mixing later. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the mix. Season it with salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a rich flavor to your pasta salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies and bacon. Gently mix them together. Now, pour your dressing over the salad. Fold the dressing in carefully until everything is coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover it and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend. Enjoy your fresh and tasty BLT Pasta Salad! For the Full Recipe, check out the recipe section above. You can easily prepare this pasta salad ahead. Start by cooking the pasta and cooling it. Mix in the vegetables and bacon, but hold off on the dressing. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just before serving, add the dressing and mix well. This ensures the flavors stay bright. This BLT pasta salad shines at picnics or potlucks. Serve it in a large bowl for sharing, or in single portions for guests. For a pop of color, top each serving with a cherry tomato half and some fresh basil. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more filling meal. You can modify this recipe to fit different diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. If you want a vegetarian version, swap turkey bacon for roasted mushrooms or smoked tofu. You can also make a dairy-free dressing using cashew cream or a store-bought vegan mayo. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste. Instead of turkey bacon, use regular bacon for a richer flavor. If you want a lighter option, try using chicken or even tofu. For pasta, any shape works well. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta can fit nicely. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add more yogurt or mayo. If you want a tangy kick, include a splash of lemon juice. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Chopped avocado gives a creamy texture and rich taste. For a spicy twist, mix in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add crumbled feta cheese for a salty bite. Roasted garlic gives a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with the salad. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite blend. To make this dish vegetarian, replace turkey bacon with tempeh or mushrooms. Both options add a hearty texture. For vegan, use vegan mayo and yogurt. Many brands offer great plant-based options. Add chickpeas or black beans for protein. You can also include more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrients and crunch. Enjoy the same great taste while keeping it plant-based! Store leftover BLT pasta salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge right after serving. Do not leave it out for too long. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. But remember, freezing may change the texture of the salad. When stored in the fridge, BLT pasta salad lasts about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may lose its flavor and freshness. If you freeze it, try to use it within a month. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can enjoy BLT pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to heat it, do so gently. Use a microwave and heat it in short bursts. Stir it often to avoid hot spots. If you heat it, the fresh veggies may wilt. For the best taste, serve it cold. For more details on making this tasty dish, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use regular bacon in place of turkey bacon. Regular bacon will add a richer flavor. Just cook it until crispy and chop it up. This swap will make your pasta salad taste even more savory. You can serve this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a slice of crusty bread. It pairs well with a light soup, like tomato basil, for a hearty meal. A refreshing green salad can also complement the dish nicely. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, like rice or corn pasta. Just follow the cooking time on the package. This way, you can enjoy the same tasty flavors without gluten. Good sides to serve with your BLT Pasta Salad include coleslaw, potato chips, or fruit salad. These sides add crunch and freshness. You can also try pickles or olives for extra flavor. BLT Pasta Salad can be healthy, especially if you use whole grain pasta. The fresh vegetables add nutrients, and turkey bacon is lower in fat than regular bacon. Balancing the dressing with Greek yogurt helps keep it light. You can find the Full Recipe for this delicious BLT Pasta Salad in the main article. It includes all the steps and tips you need for a perfect dish! In this blog post, we explored the key parts of making BLT Pasta Salad. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned how to choose top ingredients and adjust the recipe for any diet. Plus, we discussed storage tips and answered common questions. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty dish. Trust me, your friends and family will love it!

BLT Pasta Salad

Looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish? Try this BLT Pasta Salad that combines fusilli pasta, fresh tomatoes, spinach, and turkey bacon for a refreshing and satisfying meal. With a creamy dressing that brings everything together, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's easy to make and sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, cooked turkey bacon, and finely chopped red onion. Mix gently to combine.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently fold it in until all the ingredients are coated evenly.

          Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding extra salt or pepper as desired.

            Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves or in individual portions with an extra halved cherry tomato on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your unique twist on the classic BLT!