There’s nothing I enjoy more than a nice, cold and crispy BLT on a hot summer day. This pasta salad version is perfect for any summer bbq or picnic!
It’s got all the best flavors, made in a super healthy way. You’ve got the bacon, lettuce and tomato…obviously…and then there’s the ancient grain, sorghum, and a healthy and homemade creamy ranch dressing made with greek yogurt.
The healthier version of ranch dressing nicely coats the entire salad. And the sorghum grain adds a nice, crunchy texture with the added health benefits of being a whole grain and gluten free.
The inspiration behind this salad come when my friends at Stonyfield and Bob’s Red Mill sent me a yogurt and an assortment of grains. To celebrate the beautiful combination of whole grains and light, creamy dressings, they are offering one lucky winner the same Stonyfield quart-sized yogurt coupons and whole grains including Amaranth, Bulgar, Grand Whole Grains Blend, Farro and Sorghum.
Think of all the amazing things you could make! Scroll to the bottom of this page to enter.
BLT Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup sorghum
- 3 cups water
- 1 vegetable bouillon cube
- 4 ounces pancetta
- 1/2 cup baby spinach, julienned
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup non fat plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
How-To
- In a pot, bring the sorghum, water and bouillon cube to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 60 minutes. Drain excess stock and allow to cool (or refrigerate)
- Meanwhile, in a small pan over medium high heat, cook the pancetta through until browned. Place on a paper towel covered plate to drain excess grease and cool to room temperature. Add the pancetta to the cooked and cooled sorghum.
- Add the spinach and grape tomatoes to the sorghum.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients to make the dressing. Stir the dressing into the sorghum mixture. Serve at room temperature or refrigerated.
Servings: Makes about 2 cups of salad.
I am honored to be a member of the Stonyfield Clean Plate Club. I received product or coupons for writing this post, but all opinions are my own. 
Barley is one I have been using often. Quinoa is another family favorite.
As much as I love BRM, I can’t believe how many of their ancient grains I have yet to try! Sorghum will be next on my list, because this looks delicious!
I love trying new whole grains and Greek yogurt is one of my favorite ingredients! I can’t wait to try this recipie!
That looks delicious! Everything tastes better in pasta form. 🙂
I’ve been using a lot of quinoa, but I’d love to branch out!
My favorite grain is oats.
My favorite is oats.
I’m all about the quinoa!
Oats
I love amaranth! I first tried it in Purely Elizabeth’s oatmeal, and I’ve been hooked ever since!
I’ve never had any of the grains that you mention. Thus, a great reason to enter! I’d love to try them and learn more about them. I’m pretty lame when it comes to grains. I’m not sure I have a favorite, yet! 🙂
I love oats!
We love oats in this family. I have been wanting to try Quinoa.
I’ve tried a few different types of grains (and grain-like things), so far i’ve had mixed luck. I tried millet with Hannah when she was little – didn’t go well. I’ve had great luck, though, adding quinoa to vegetable soup. It adds a delicious flavor and texture! After reading the other comments, I think I’ll try amaranth next. On a related note, I had to go soy and dairy free for 6 months when H was younger – BRM was a lifesaver! They make a really good gluten-free brownie mix (that also happens to not have soy or dairy!) Satisfied my chocolate fix!
This is the kind of salad I like. It looks so good.
Oh and my favorite grain is probably quinoa, but I love a lot of different grains.
Oats are my favorite but I’m trying new ones slowly
Hmmmm…I guess wheat is my fave but we’re gluten free now so maybe oats :)?
My favorite grain is rice; I especially like forbidden rice.
Love all of these ingredients. Sounds wonderful! 🙂
hi, my favorite grain is oatmeal, thanks for the chance to win !
bulgar!
I subscribe already to your emails but your rafflecopter will not allow me to add it
My favorite grain is oats.
I don’t think quinoa is technically a grain, but I do enjoy it!
as a korean, i’m going to have to go with white rice for my favorite grain! i know it gets hated on because it’s a white starch, but i find it easily digestible and so comforting 🙂
I love that you turned a BLT into an amazing looking salad! It looks amazing!
I first discovered Sorghum in S Africa – wasn’t able to find it in the States when I returned. Excited to know I can now!
I like bulgar.
I love quinoa!
I love quinoa!
Bulgur – I eat it a lot with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers and scallions – with a vinaigrette then sprinkled with goat cheese – sometimes on top of greens – sometimes without the greens – yummy!
I have to go with oats being my favorite.
I like quinoa.
A little late to the game but I’m just learning abt quinoa & amaranth
I love oats in the morning, and quinoa at lunch
Oats will probably always be my favorite, but quinoa is slowly moving up there!
My current favorite grain has got to be red quinoa. So healthy and yummy!
quinoa is my favorite
Currently loving freekeh!
I’m a huge fan of oats and quinoa!
My favorite would have to be Bulgur.
my favorite grain is oats! i try to have some everyday!
I think my favorite would have to be quinoa!
It’s a toss up between quinoa and oats
I love quinoa
I like oats
I like oats
I love sorghum
I have not tried any the grains mentioned. Although I am on a journey of trying healthier alternatives to regular pastas as they upset my stomach.
I love oats!
Quinoa. A seed, but used as a grain.
Oats, but I’m always wanting to branch out!
Quinoa!
I like barley
My favorite grain is brown basmati rice.
I put oats in everything, but I also like barley, and I want to try popping sorghum!
I would have to say that my favorite grain is farro; however, I am always open to try new grains. Thank you for the opportunity.
I eat a lot of oats but my favorite grain has to be quinoa.
I like quinoa.
My favorite grain is oats. I eat them a lot, and cook with them 🙂
I use Whole grain all the time.
My favorite is oats