My easy pasta salad with bacon and tomatoes is my family’s all-time favorite, and it’s THE recipe everyone asks for!
I can’t take credit for this easy pasta salad with bacon and tomatoes! Well over 20 years ago, one of my best friends made this at a family gathering, and it quickly became a family. It has been changed and tweaked over The years, but everyone makes it in my family from my kids to my nieces and nephews.
This is the salad that everyone’s gonna want the recipe for when you bring it to I get together! I’ve been bringing this to family gatherings, BBQs, and work parties for years, and there’s never a bite left! I mean, what’s not to love about bacon, tomatoes, and pasta. This is incredibly easy to make, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. This easy side dish is bursting with flavors and textures that will have your guests coming back for more!
How to make easy pasta salad with bacon and tomatoes:
- Start the water for the pasta.
- While you wait for it to boil, get the bacon cooking.
- While the pasta and bacon cook, prep your dressing and veggies.
- Drain the pasta and bacon.
- Mix everything together.
This does not have a lot of mayonnaise – only one cup for an entire pound of pasta. The tomatoes, vinegar, and mayo combine to make a creamy dressing that’s light and tangy. That said, feel free to add as much or little as you like. I like vinegar, so I’ll often throw in a few extra splashes. I also like a little extra black pepper. You can easily double this, and I do quite often for large gatherings.
You can certainly make this salad all year long, but it’s infinitely better in the summer when tomatoes are at their best. Add as much as you like. Extra tomatoes or bacon only make it better. This recipe is easy to customize.
Easy pasta salad variations:
- Add diced bell pepper, olives, and even fresh herbs.
- Chop up hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
- For a “BLT” pasta salad, serve with some chopped romaine on top.
- To spice it up, add some crushed red pepper to the dressing.
In my opinion, this salad is best at room temperature, so I make it just before serving. If you want to make it ahead and chill it, you may need to add a little more mayonnaise and vinegar before serving. As the pasta sits in the fridge, it will soak up some of the dressing.
If you’ve tried my pasta salad with bacon and tomatoes or any recipe on my site, please leave a comment below!
Check out our vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb recipes if you have food sensitivities! |
More Recipes You May Like
- 10-Minute Tangy Tomato Dressing Recipe
- Foolproof Butter & Lemon Baked Rice Recipe
- Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe | Plus 25 Ways To Use It
If you try this recipe, I'd love to know! Comment below or tag me on Instagram. Be sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss out on anything new. Thanks so much for being here, friends! |
Save This Easy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Tomatoes To Pinterest
Bacon & Tomato Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 16 ounces bacon
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 3 green onions finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise full fat
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp and drain well.
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse well with cold water.
- While the bacon and pasta are cooking...
- Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, tomatoes, green onions, salt, and pepper to a big bowl.
- Stir well and add the bacon followed by the pasta.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve immediately or cover and chill.
Notes
You May Also Like:
Italian Cannellini Bean Salad | 10 Minute Recipe
Healthy Mushroom Recipe With Garlic & Thyme
Leftover Pulled Pork Bowl With Cottage Cheese
High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken
Simple Chickpea Salad With Greek Vinaigrette
Chicken Protein Bowls + Tips & Variations
Tangy Tomato Dressing With Fresh Summer Tomatoes
Cranberry Cheesecakes | Easy Holiday Dessert
I made half the recipe; also added chopped celery and a chopped hard-boiled egg. Very delicious, will make it again!