BLT Pasta Salad

I am not a huge pasta salad fan but sometimes you stumble on a recipe that changes everything.  The BLT sandwich is simply delicious, so why not pair the concept with pasta, genius.  This salad is great because you have a full bodied dressing by using the bacon drippings and lots of texture with your components in the salad.  BLT pasta salad pairs with just about everything, so enjoy this the rest of the summer at your picnics and barbecues.

Close Up Shot of BLT Pasta Salad



BLT Pasta Salad               

1 lb pasta of your choice
1 lb thick sliced bacon, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp minced shallots
2 tbsp minced fresh basil
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tsp sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
4 cups halved grape tomatoes

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions.  Transfer pasta to a bowl of ice water; drain well.  Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp.  Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.  Reserve 3 tbsp of drippings; set aside to cool. 

Whisk together mayonnaise, reserved drippings, shallots, basil, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Stir in pasta, romaine, tomatoes, and bacon; toss to coat.  Season salad with salt and pepper.

This recipe is courtesy of Cuisine at Home; Issue 94, August 2012.

Pea Pesto Crostini

Crostini topped with tomatoes, parmesan & pea pesto

Summer is really a great time to showcase the beautiful colors and flavors of its bounty. Since it is hot outside we are always looking for light options that don't weigh us down. On a particularly hot day my husband and I decided that we would just eat a tapas style meal with some chilled chardonnay.