BLT Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto Dressing

All the best bits of a BLT, tossed through a generous bowl of pasta. Crisp bacon, shredded lettuce and sweet cherry tomatoes meet a creamy basil pesto dressing for an easy lunch or barbecue side.

This version uses The Lucky Pig's nitrate-free bacon, small pasta shells to catch the dressing, and fresh basil to finish. It is a simple way to bring a familiar favourite to the sharing table.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

• 300 g small pasta shells
• 250 g The Lucky Pig nitrate-free bacon
• 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• A few fresh basil leaves, to finish

Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yoghurt
• 2 tbsp basil pesto
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Cook pasta according to packet directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drain well.
2. Cook bacon until very crisp. Drain on paper towel and roughly chop. Allow to cool.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, basil pesto, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and garlic together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Toss pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, Parmesan and chives with the dressing.
5. Finish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.

How to Serve

Serve in a large bowl with the fresh basil scattered over the top. Enjoy it as a lunch for 4–6, or bring it to the table as a side for a barbecue.

If preparing ahead, keep the lettuce, bacon and dressing separate from the pasta until close to serving for the best texture.

Butcher's Tip

Cook the bacon until crisp, then drain it well before chopping. Let the bacon cool and drain the rinsed pasta thoroughly so the dressing coats the salad without becoming watery.

Watch the Recipe

Ask Us About the Bacon

We used The Lucky Pig's nitrate-free bacon in this recipe. Ask our Bentleigh team about this bacon when planning your pasta salad.

Visit The Lucky Pig

More Recipe Inspiration

For another bacon favourite, try our BLT Featuring Our Award-Winning Bacon, or explore the Recipe Hub for more meal ideas.

Visit The Lucky Pig in Bentleigh

Find us at 452 Centre Road, Bentleigh VIC 3204. Our butchers can help you choose bacon for your next meal.

Get directions to The Lucky Pig