Don’t you just love a good hearty salad? Especially a good, clean, healthy one.  Ok, I know it sound redundant to say “healthy salad” but if you think about it some salads don’t quite fit the bill.  However, this BLT pasta salad will make both your body and your taste buds so so happy!

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT pasta salad was an experiment that came about as one of those weird pregnancy cravings. I at one point even had dreams of a giant plate full of dancing BLT sandwiches!  It was like that scene in Beauty and the Beast when all the food and plates were singing. In my case it was sandwiches. 3 years later, the memory still gives me a laugh!

BLT Pasta Salad is a great “anytime of day” staple to have around.  Whatever you need it for, it fits the bill; lunch, snack, light dinner, pot luck, you name it. Works well with a gluten free diet and is clean enough to satisfy the 21 day fix eating plan!

This particular recipe is very simple and fast.  You can make it way in advance and it’s delicious cold or at room temperature.

Of course, the “B” in this does mean bacon.  I am a bacon purist.  Turkey bacon just doesn’t hold a candle to the real thing in my opinion as far as flavor goes.  However, turkey bacon is healthier.  I suppose if you must use the healthier option I can understand, but just don’t tell me about it…I have this innate reflex of turning my nose up and making faces at the mention of turkey bacon (no offense to those that genuinely enjoy it).

To Make This BLT Pasta Salad:

You will need:

• 1 lb of bowtie or penne pasta (organic whole wheat is what is used in the photos, but quinoa pasta is also delicious in this one if you need a gluten free option)
• 1/2 lb of bacon cooked and crumbled
• 3 cups fresh arugula
• 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• Italian vinaigrette

I have tried this recipe with quinoa pasta and organic whole wheat and both were excellent.

Truth be told you can use whatever lettuce you have on hand, but I LOVE the arugula and bacon combination.  It’s such a nice balance of flavors.  The bacon is salty and the arugula is a bit peppery.  It’s just beautiful!

Instructions:

1. Boil your pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente
2. Drain your pasta into a colander and run cold water over it for several minutes until the pasta is cool to the touch
3. In a large bowl, combine your pasta, bacon crumbles, arugula, and tomato halves.
4. When you are ready to serve dress with your favorite italian vinaigrette.  *It is important to wait until you are ready to serve because the salt in the salad dressing will wilt your tomatoes and arugula making them a sad, watery, limp mess*

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As the nutritional and caloric values vary from brand to brand, nutritional information is not including dressing.

If you make it, I’d love to see it. Share it here with us or tag me on Facebook or Instagram.

I hope you enjoy this pasta salad as much as we do.  It’s so versatile and fast AND tasty that I’m positive it will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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