Kristin Cavallari released her cookbook, True Roots, a couple of years ago and I’ve slowly been testing my way through it. And let me just say, this BLT Pasta Salad is one of our favorites. I can totally see why she describes it as being “on heavy rotation” in her house. Over the last two years I think I’ve really perfected it—putting my own spin on it of course. When I make it, I use a little less bacon, chicken, and mayo, and a different type of pasta than what she calls for in the recipe. I’ve tried it her way and found pairing it down cuts out some of the heavy richness. This pasta salad is super delicious and you can whip it a day or so in advance because the dish is served cold and saves pretty well. Just don’t wait too long or you’ll end up with soggy spinach. This dish is definitely best when served within 24 hours of making it! I wrote what her recipe calls for in parenthesis next to how I make it on the recipe card. Try the BLT Pasta Salad both ways and tell me which you like it in the comments below!

Photo Credit & Foot Styling: Leah Nolan
Kristin Cavallari’s True Roots BLT Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free!)
  • Prep time: 30min
  • Cook time: 25min
  • Total time: 45min
  • Serves: 4
ingredients
  • 1/2 Package Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta (Brown Rice Macaroni)
  • 8 Bacon Slices, Cooked (10 Bacon Slices)
  • 1 Boiled Chicken Breast, Shredded (2 Cooked Chicken Breasts, Diced)
  • 1 Cup Halved Cherry Tomatoes
  • 2 Cups Chopped Spinach (3 Cups Chopped Spinach)
  • 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise (1 Cup Mayonnaise)
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Paprika
  • Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to the box instructions.
  2. Cook the bacon by placing it in the oven set to broil, check every 5 minutes until crispy. Once cooked, crumble.
  3. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a chicken breast and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the pot and shred with a fork and knife.
  4. While the bacon, pasta, and chicken cook, chop the spinach (we used scissors) and mix together all the ingredients in a bowl.
  5. Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix together.
  6. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes.
  7. Serve to your crew!
shopping list
Meat
  • 1 Chicken Breast
  • 1 Package Bacon
Produce
  • 1 Container Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 Bag Spinach
Dry Goods
  • 1 Jar Mayo
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt & Pepper
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