Pasta salad and summer go together, right? This one has the flavors and ingredients in a BLT sandwich in salad form. The dressing gets its smoky bacon flavor from the bacon grease.
Salad:
8 oz. ditalini pasta
1/2 lb. thick-cut bacon (about 5-6 slices), its grease reserved
2 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 c. romaine lettuce, chopped
Dressing:
3/4 c. mayonnaise
2 1/2 T. warm bacon grease
1 T. white vinegar
1/2 t. kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 – 1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
Start the water for the pasta.
Cook the bacon using your preferred method.
While the bacon is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain under cold water until the pasta is cool.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the tomatoes and chop the lettuce.
When the bacon is done, drain on paper towels; cut or crumble; set aside.
Stir together the mayonnaise, bacon grease, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the drained, cooled pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, and bacon. Toss well to coat the pasta.
Serve immediately or pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6 servings.