BLAT Pasta Salad
Whip up our easy BLAT Pasta Salad! Cook and cool pasta, mix in crispy bacon, red onion, lettuce, and tomatoes. Top with avocado slices and basil leaves. Drizzle with garlic parmesan dressing, toss, and enjoy a tasty, fuss-free meal!
Serves: 4
Effort: Easy
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Gluten-free option available
Ingredients
350g pasta (penne or your preferred choice)
200g bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped into medium-sized pieces
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 cos lettuce, washed and chopped
300g mixed tomato medley
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup shaved parmesan
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
¼ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to cool and drain.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. Cook it until crispy either in the oven or on the BBQ. Drain on paper towels and chop into medium-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic and parmesan dressing with mayonnaise to create the salad dressing.
4. Prepare the salad ingredients: dice the red onion, chop the washed cos lettuce, and slice the mixed tomato medley.
5. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, crispy bacon pieces, diced red onion, chopped lettuce, and mixed tomatoes. Add the shaved parmesan and salad dressing, toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Just before serving, top the salad with sliced avocado and fresh basil leaves.
Hints & tips
Make gluten free - Substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free brand to adapt this dish for a gluten-free diet. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Easy swaps - You can exchange cos lettuce with iceberg or any lettuce leaves of your choice.
Serving suggestion - Enjoy your BLAT pasta salad for a light dinner, or turn it into a more substantial meal by pairing it with grilled chicken and garlic bread.
Storage - Store in the fridge for 3 days. Not suitable for freezing.
