BLT Pasta Salad

Are you a sucker for anything with bacon and/or pasta included in the ingredient list? Me too, me too. This BLT Pasta Salad brings together all the flavors of your favorite summer sandwich, wrapped up in a hearty pasta dish that is sure not to disappoint. The unlikely addition of BBQ sauce adds the perfect zing to the yummy sauce, too. Trust me--this will definitely be a side dish hit at your next cookout! : )

This recipe serves 4-6 people so double or triple up if you are feeding a bigger crowd!

What You Will Need
8oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
2 green onions, sliced
2 cups fresh summer tomatoes, chopped
4-5 slices bacon, cooked and broken into pieces

¼ head (or about 2 cups worth) of iceberg lettuce, washed & chopped

¼ cup mayonnaise (Duke's preferred)
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced

½ tsp salt & black pepper
1/8 tsp ground red pepper (optional)

Directions
Step One
Cook pasta according to package directions. While it is boiling, clean and chop your veggies and set aside.

Step Two
Whisk together mayo, BBQ sauce, vinegar and spices and set aside.

Step Three
Mix all ingredients (except lettuce & bacon) together in a large mixing bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tip: make sure your pasta is cooled off before mixing with other ingredients - sometimes I throw a few ice cubes in the colander to quicken the process.

Fold in the lettuce and bacon a few minutes before serving so they don't get too soggy. Enjoy, y'all!