This Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad is everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich turned into a rich, satisfying pasta salad. Cheese-filled tortellini, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a creamy roasted garlic dressing come together in one irresistible bowl. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, BBQs, family gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners.
The cheesy tortellini makes this pasta salad extra hearty, while the creamy garlic dressing coats every bite with incredible flavor. If you’re looking for a pasta salad that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, this BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad is it.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with crispy bacon
- Creamy homemade garlic dressing
- Easy to make ahead
- Perfect for potlucks and BBQs
- Uses refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Great as a side dish or light meal
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pound bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Garlic Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for thinning)
How to Make Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine cooled tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Lettuce
Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with extra bacon, Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum texture.
- Add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add diced avocado for a delicious twist.
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Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad is loaded with cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a rich homemade garlic dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
Creamy Garlic Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons milk, if needed for thinning
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, parsley, and milk if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and chives.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Fold in chopped romaine lettuce just before serving.
- Garnish with extra bacon, chives, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Add the lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dressing.
- Rotisserie chicken makes a great protein addition.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Variations
Ranch BLT Tortellini Salad
Replace the garlic dressing with your favorite ranch dressing.
Chicken BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
Spicy BLT Pasta Salad
Mix in diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce.
Bacon Cheeseburger Style
Add shredded cheddar cheese and diced pickles.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If making ahead, keep the lettuce separate and stir it in just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare everything except the lettuce up to 24 hours in advance. Add the lettuce before serving.
What is the best tortellini for pasta salad?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best because it stays tender and flavorful after chilling.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Absolutely, but the homemade creamy garlic dressing gives the salad its signature flavor.
Can I freeze tortellini pasta salad?
No. The creamy dressing and lettuce do not freeze well.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad combines all the flavors of a classic BLT with cheesy tortellini and a rich garlic dressing for an unforgettable side dish. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, family reunion, holiday cookout, or weeknight dinner, it’s always a crowd favorite that disappears quickly.
