The Ultimate Easy Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon: Your Perfect Summer Meal
Get ready to discover your new favorite summer dish: this incredible Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Bacon! It’s the ultimate combination of fresh, savory, and satisfying, making it an instant hit for any occasion. Imagine sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection, mingling with savory, crispy bacon bits, creamy crumbled feta cheese, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and simple pleasures.
What makes this pasta salad truly stand out is its effortless preparation and irresistible taste. You only need a handful of fresh ingredients, and in no time, you’ll have a dish that’s ideal for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively picnic, a festive BBQ, or any gathering where delicious food is a must. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy textures and crunchy surprises, offering a refreshing and hearty option that everyone will love. Each forkful delivers a delightful burst of flavor, leaving you craving more.
Why This Tomato Feta Pasta Salad is a Summer Staple
For me, summer signals the arrival of abundant, ripe cherry tomatoes, and that’s my cue to whip up this exceptional pasta salad. It takes me back to the first time I made it, a warm afternoon in the kitchen, chatting away, almost forgetting the garlic in the oven. A quick save, and the first bite — the sweet char of roasted tomatoes, the salty richness of feta, and that delightful crunch of bacon — confirmed it: this recipe was a definite keeper. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of sunny days, relaxed meals, and food that’s simply bursting with incredible taste. Now, it’s an annual tradition, a beloved dish we turn to whenever the weather warms up and we desire something both easy and utterly delicious.
The Magic of Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic
The secret weapon in this pasta salad is undoubtedly the roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic. Roasting transforms the tomatoes, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a delicate char that adds depth. The garlic, roasted in its skin, becomes incredibly soft, mellow, and almost spreadable, losing its raw pungency and gaining a rich, caramelized flavor. These two components form the flavorful backbone of the salad, creating a vibrant base that coats every piece of pasta and perfectly complements the other ingredients.
A Symphony of Textures and Flavors
Beyond the roasted goodness, this salad is a masterpiece of contrasting textures and complementary flavors. You have the satisfying chew of al dente pasta, the crisp, salty bite of bacon, the creamy, tangy notes of feta, the briny pop of olives, and the aromatic freshness of basil. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a harmonious and incredibly addictive dish that truly satisfies. It’s light enough for a hot day but hearty enough to be a complete meal.
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📖 Recipe Card
Ready to create this mouthwatering pasta salad yourself? Here’s the detailed recipe card with all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions you’ll need. Gather your fresh produce and get ready for a truly delightful culinary experience!
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound pasta, penne or fusilli work great
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- ¼ pound feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup olives, green or black, without pit
- ¼ oz. fresh basil, leaves only
- salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400 ℉ (200 °C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even roasting.
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Evenly spread the cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking tray. Keeping the garlic unpeeled protects it from burning and allows it to roast beautifully.2½ cups cherry tomatoes, 6 cloves garlic
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Drizzle generously with olive oil and gently mix everything together, ensuring the tomatoes and garlic are well-coated. This helps them roast evenly and develop a rich flavor.2 tablespoons olive oil
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Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes are tender, slightly burst, and have a beautiful, caramelized brown color. The garlic cloves should be soft when squeezed.
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While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne or fusilli are excellent for holding the sauce) and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – firm with a slight chew. Immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together, which is crucial for a cold pasta salad.1 pound pasta
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In a separate pan, cook the smoked bacon slices over medium heat until they are beautifully golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This renders out the fat and gives them that perfect crunch.6 slices smoked bacon
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Transfer the crispy bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Once slightly cooled, chop them into small, bite-sized bits. These will add a fantastic salty crunch to the salad.
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Once the roasted garlic cloves are cool enough to handle, carefully squeeze the soft, sweet garlic pulp out of their skins. Mash it with a fork to create a creamy paste. This will beautifully infuse the dressing.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, the roasted cherry tomatoes (and any pan juices), the mashed roasted garlic, crispy bacon bits, crumbled feta cheese, and pitted olives. Gently tear the fresh basil leaves with your hands directly into the bowl; this releases their essential oils better than cutting.¼ pound feta cheese, ½ cup olives, ¼ oz. fresh basil
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Season the salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that bacon and feta are salty, so adjust accordingly.salt, ground black pepper
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Gently stir all the ingredients until everything is nicely combined and the flavors are evenly distributed. The mashed garlic and tomato juices will create a light, savory dressing.
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This versatile pasta salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. For best flavor, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
2. What’s the best pasta for this salad? Short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, orecchiette, or farfalle work wonderfully for this salad. Their nooks and crannies effectively capture the creamy dressing, roasted tomatoes, and other small ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
3. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day! If possible, add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aroma.
- Freezing: Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended. The textures of feta cheese and roasted tomatoes can become mealy or watery after thawing, significantly impacting the overall quality and enjoyment of the dish.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the roasted tomatoes and garlic, cook and crisp the bacon, and chop the olives a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Cook the pasta and assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
4. Ingredient Quality Matters: Using high-quality ingredients can elevate this simple salad to extraordinary. Choose ripe, fragrant cherry tomatoes, good quality olive oil, and fresh basil leaves for the best results. A good block of feta that you crumble yourself often tastes better than pre-crumbled varieties.
Tips for Customizing Your Tomato Feta Pasta Salad
While this Tomato Feta Pasta Salad is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with additions and substitutions to make it truly your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by tossing in some finely diced cucumber, bell peppers (red or yellow for sweetness), red onion, or even some artichoke hearts. Sun-dried tomatoes can also add an extra layer of concentrated tomato flavor.
- Boost the Protein: For an even heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas (for a vegetarian option). These additions make the salad a more substantial main course.
- Herb Variations: While fresh basil is a star, feel free to try other fresh herbs. Fresh oregano or parsley can offer a different aromatic profile that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
- Different Cheeses: If feta isn’t your favorite, or you want to try something new, consider crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, tangier alternative, or small cubes of fresh mozzarella for a milder touch.
- A Touch of Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Lemon Zest or Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten all the flavors, adding a zesty finish that’s especially refreshing in summer.
This salad truly shines because of its flexibility. Feel free to use what you have on hand and tailor it to your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Pasta Salad
This versatile Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Bacon is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or dinner, but it also makes an excellent side dish. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken, a fried egg, or some chickpeas to make it a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Perfect Picnic Food: It travels incredibly well and tastes great at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. Pack it in an airtight container and enjoy!
- BBQ Side Dish: It’s a refreshing contrast to grilled meats like burgers, steaks, or chicken. Its vibrant flavors complement smoky BBQ dishes beautifully.
- Light Dinner Side: Pair it with a simple grilled fish or a fresh green salad for a balanced and flavorful evening meal.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and delightful taste profile. It’s a crowd-pleaser that celebrates the best of summer flavors!
Nutrition
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More Irresistible Salad Recipes
If you loved this Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Bacon, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other delightful salad recipes perfect for any season or occasion. From hearty potato salads to fresh Mediterranean options, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. Explore more culinary adventures below:
- Cheddar Bacon Potato Salad
- Fresh Pearl Couscous Salad with Feta, Cucumber, and Cherry Tomatoes
- Asian-Style Roast Beef Salad with Crunchy Toppings