Creamy Garlic BLT Tortellini Pasta Salad
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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.