Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad

This Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad is a quick and easy summer dish that uses the pressure cooker function. This recipe is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat your kitchen but still want homemade food!

Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad is one of the best pasta salads for the summer! There is nothing like a great and easy Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad for BBS, high school graduations, and all summer events.

Everyone loves a great BLT, and this salad delivers all of the flavors of a traditional BLT. So, if you love a BLT sandwich, you will soon have a new favorite pasta salad.

This simple pasta salad is easy to make with the help of the Instant Pot and will be done in minutes. You can have this for a great lunch too. It’s filling with both pasta and bacon. It’s amazing.

If you are looking for some more Instant Pot Summer Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT, EASY BBQ (BARBECUE) PULLED PORK, INSTANT POT, EASY BBQ RIBS, and INSTANT POT STRAWBERRY JAM.

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender pasta. Tossed in a creamy dressing, this dish is a perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch. The bacon adds a savory crunch, while the tomatoes and lettuce bring freshness and a pop of color. It’s easy to prepare, especially using an Instant Pot for the pasta, making it a quick and satisfying dish. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad

• Penne Pasta: Provides the perfect base, offering a hearty and chewy texture that absorbs the creamy dressing well.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings a burst of sweetness and color to the salad, complementing the savory flavors.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that enhances the classic BLT flavors.
• Ranch Dressing: Gives the salad a tangy and creamy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess to the dressing, making the salad rich and smooth.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing, adding a slight kick.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness and a touch of color to the salad.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.

How To Make Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad

Cook the Pasta: Add penne pasta and water to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then perform a quick release. Drain the pasta and let it cool.

Cook the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon in a pan until crispy. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then crumble it.

Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled bacon.

Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy it immediately for a refreshing, creamy BLT pasta salad!

Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Use the Instant Pot’s quick release function as soon as the pasta is done to avoid overcooking. This keeps the pasta firm and perfect for salad.
• Let the Pasta Cool: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for mixing with the other ingredients.
• Crisp Up the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy to add a nice crunch to the salad. You can even cook it in the oven or air fryer for less mess.
• Make the Salad Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour or so in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh romaine lettuce and ripe cherry tomatoes to bring brightness and freshness to the salad.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: If you prefer a creamier salad, add more ranch dressing or mayonnaise. You can also customize the dressing with extra Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
• Serve Cold: For the best flavor and texture, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving, especially on a warm day!

Instant Pot BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta types like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

How do I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy? To keep the lettuce crisp, add it just before serving the salad. This way, it won’t wilt from the moisture in the other ingredients.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! You can make the salad a few hours ahead. For the best texture, wait to add the lettuce, bacon, and dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use turkey bacon or a meat substitute? Absolutely! Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon works well in this recipe for a lighter or vegetarian version.

How long does this salad last in the fridge? BLT pasta salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, the lettuce may lose its crispness after a day, so it’s best to add fresh lettuce if storing for longer.

Can I make this without the ranch dressing? Yes, you can substitute the ranch with a different dressing, such as Caesar, or simply use more mayonnaise for a milder flavor.

More Instant Pot Easy Recipes

• Copycat Chill’s Cajun Chicken Pasta 
• Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Penne
• Suddenly Salad
• Copycat Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

Equipment Used

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs

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