I recently saw a recipe online for a BLT pasta salad and after seeing how easy it was to make, decided to try it. Since there were so many different versions, I combined ideas and came up with a great salad.
Most versions were basically the same, pasta, mayo, tomatoes, bacon, & spinach or lettuce. When I made it though it was kind of bland, that's when the fun began. I added some sweet thai chili sauce, honey mustard, and lots of salt & pepper.
I made this in a rush since my son & boyfriend are always starving when I get home. I was shocked when my picky eaters actually approved (except for the tomatoes, of course). Believe me this is a great accomplishment on my part. How to get 2 people that both hate veggies of any kind to eat them? Overall it was a hit and we will definitely make again with a few changes.
That's the great thing about cooking, if you make something, and like it but don't, you can always adjust and next time it could be a hit! What we felt the salad was missing was a "crunch" factor. I think a great addition would be some apples for a sweet & tangy salad, or carrot, or onions. This salad is so versatile that the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
4 slices of Maple Bacon
1/2 lb of Farfalle Pasta (bow tie)
3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
1 Tbsp Honey Mustard
1/2 bag Baby Spinach
1 pint Cherry Tomatoes
Salt & Pepper to taste
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add salt & pasta, cook until al dente. Once cooked, drain & rinse with cold water.
While pasta is cooking, cut bacon into bite size pieces and crisp over medium heat, remove and drain on a paper towel to cool.
In a large bowl mix, mayonnaise, sweet thai chili sauce, honey mustard, cherry tomatoes cut in half and 1/2 of the bacon, stir to combine.
Once pasta is done combine with sauce and refrigerate at least a few hours, even overnight. You can always add more sauce if needed.
When ready to serve, add spinach & bacon. Combine well.
Enjoy <3
