• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sugary Logic
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Healthier BLT Pasta Salad

    Published: Sep 2, 2021 · Modified: Dec 20, 2021 by Katelyn Theofanis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This light, healthy BLT Pasta Salad recipe is easy and DELICIOUS! Made with turkey bacon, grape tomatoes, baby arugula, and an olive oil dressing, it is packed with flavor. This salad is a great main course or summertime side dish.

    Pasta salad in a bowl.

    Pasta salad screams summertime. Not all pasta salads are the same though, some can really pack on the calories. This BLT pasta salad is light thanks to its olive oil dressing. It's packed with turkey bacon pieces, fresh tomatoes, and gently cooked onions. The toasted garlic and baby arugula add finesse and complete the flavor profile of this delicious, simple salad.

    What makes this BLT pasta salad healthy? Simple tweaks in ingredients. The turkey bacon brings all the desirable bacon flavor with less fat and calories. But BLT pasta salad with no mayo? I promise you that you will not miss it thanks to the flavorful extra virgin olive oil and a small amount of vinegar. A bonus, this whole recipe comes together in just thirty minutes, making it a great option for weekdays or weekends. Another simple-to-make pasta salad option is my Easy Italian Pasta Salad.

    This healthier BLT pasta salad is the real deal. It has all the addictive flavors of the classic sandwich but in a light pasta form. This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd. Serve alongside grilled meats and barbecue or enjoy as a main course for an easy dinner. You are going to want second helpings!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to Make Healthier BLT Pasta Salad
    • Tips for Success
    • What to Serve With This Pasta Salad
    • FAQ
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    The ingredients needed for this recipe.
    • Cellentani Pasta - This pasta is fantastic for salads. The shape and texture of this variety cling to whatever sauce you pair it with. (It looks nice too!) You do not have to use this type of pasta though. Other great options include rigatoni, large macaroni, penne, and farfalle pasta. 
    • Turkey Bacon - This BLT pasta salad is healthier partially due to turkey bacon. It is less greasy thanks to fewer calories and less fat than pork bacon. Feel free to use classic bacon though, if desired. 
    • Baby Arugula - Arugula has a beautiful peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in this recipe. If you do not care for this green, other substitutes include baby spinach, romaine, and kale. 
    • Grape Tomatoes - Grape or cherry tomatoes work well in this recipe.
    • Red Onion - The onion adds a lovely bite and alternative flavor. It is cooked just until tender which eliminates the pungent tastes. Substitute with white onion if desired. 
    • Garlic - Gently cooked in olive oil alongside the onion, the garlic adds a boost of flavor to the pasta salad. There is just enough without overpowering the classic BLT flavors. 
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Be sure to use extra virgin olive oil, not a bitter generic oil. Olive oil is the prime component of the dressing, so you will taste it.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar - There is just enough vinegar for an acidic balance. Substitute this vinegar with champagne, red wine, or rice wine vinegar. 
    • Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Pepper

    How to Make Healthier BLT Pasta Salad

    This recipe is simple to prepare and ready in just thirty minutes!

    • Cooked pasta in a colander.
    • Cooked pasta with onions and garlic in a clear bowl.

    STEP 1 - Cook the turkey bacon and chop each slice into pieces.

    STEP 2 - Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

    STEP 3 - In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion. Cook until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute. Remove the skillet from the heat.

    STEP 4 - Place the pasta in a large bowl. Pour the onion-garlic mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. Toss in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

    • Pasta with halved tomatoes and chopped turkey bacon in a clear bowl.
    • BLT pasta salad with arugula added in a clear bowl.

    STEP 5 - Fold in the tomatoes and bacon pieces until combined. Finally, fold in the arugula. *Serve immediately.

    Tips for Success

    Don’t forget to salt the pasta water and make sure to wait for a rolling boil before adding the dried pasta. Cook according to package instructions.

    If not serving right away, wait to fold in the arugula to avoid wilted greens. *Drizzle in additional olive oil if making in advance. Ideally, serve this salad immediately after making it.

    Have fun with this recipe! Other delicious ingredient additions include chickpeas, olives, toasted pine nuts, avocado, and crumbled cheese like feta. This recipe is incredibly versatile thanks to its classic, simple flavors.

    A close-up of BLT pasta salad.

    What to Serve With This Pasta Salad

    What should you serve with BLT pasta salad? This salad is a yummy side for grilled meats like chicken or steak. Similarly, this is a great recipe to bring to a barbeque; it makes a LOT of food! This pasta salad is DELICIOUS paired with my Slow-Cooker Greek Chicken. Enjoy it as a main course for an easy weeknight meal or lunch. *See tips for success {above} for yummy inclusions for this recipe.

    FAQ

    Can this pasta salad be made in advance?

    I recommend serving this salad immediately after making it. If needed, the components can all be made and prepared in advance. Toss just before serving.

    How long does this BLT pasta salad stay fresh for?

    This pasta salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To serve leftovers, toss in additional extra-virgin olive oil.

    What is the best way to store pasta salad?

    Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator.

    Related Recipes

    • Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach
    • Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
    • Easy Italian Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

    📖 Recipe

    Pasta salad in a bowl.

    Healthier BLT Pasta Salad

    Katelyn Theofanis
    This light, healthy BLT Pasta Salad recipe is easy and DELICIOUS! Made with turkey bacon, grape tomatoes, baby arugula, and an olive oil dressing, this salad is a great main course or summertime side dish. 
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 Servings
    Calories 436 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb cellentani pasta
    • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 small red onion or half of a large onion; thinly sliced
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 8 slices turkey bacon cooked and chopped into large pieces
    • 1½ cups grape tomatoes halved
    • 6 oz baby arugula
    • kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. 
    • In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion. Cook until slightly tender, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute. Remove the skillet from the heat. 
    • Place the pasta in a large bowl. Pour the onion-garlic mixture over the pasta and toss to combine. Toss in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. 
    • Fold in the tomatoes and bacon pieces until combined. Finally, fold in the arugula. Serve immediately. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 436kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 17gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 442mgPotassium: 466mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 983IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag your photo #sugarylogic or @sugarylogic ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review below!

    ANY QUESTIONS? Please leave a comment below!

    More Pasta

    • Bucatini Pomodoro
    • Summer Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Easy Chicken Feta Pasta (Without Tomatoes)
    • Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Linda

      May 24, 2022 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      As far as I'm concerned tomatoes and the #1 BEST food on planet earth...so I doubled the amount of tomatoes.
      Also the hubby and I are trying to eat as little meat as possible so instead of turkey bacon I used Morning Star Farm's veggie bacon. And I will say it's delicious. We use it on our BLT's, on muffins for a breakfast sandwich, in soups etc.
      Other than those 2 changes I followed your recipe and it's outstanding!

      Reply
      • Katelyn Ryan

        June 25, 2022 at 1:37 pm

        Linda, I am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe. Your modifications sound wonderful!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    author

    Hi, welcome to Sugary Logic! I'm Katelyn. I am an experienced chef and home cook publishing simple and easy recipes here on my food blog, Sugary Logic. Sugary Logic's recipes will save you time and allow you to create fast and easy meals as sophisticated as any restaurant meal.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Almond Cherry Scones
    • 3 Ingredient Almond Butter Protein Balls
    • Mango Compote
    • Banana Pound Cake Loaf

    Trending Recipes

    • Chicken Sausage Pasta with Broccoli
    • Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas
    • Summer Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

    The Best Scone Recipes

    • Bacon Cheddar Scones
    • Easy Cinnamon Roll Scones with Cream Cheese Icing
    • The Best Strawberry Buttermilk Scones
    • 10 Sweet and Savory Scone Recipes

    Gluten-Free Recipes

    • Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
    • Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
    • Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
    • Easy Italian Ground Turkey Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Recipes
    • About Me

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Subscribe

    Sugary Logic participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2017 - 2023 Sugary Logic